Iron Question

How many MG of iron per day is enough for a DSer? I feel I need to increase my iron but I am afraid of poisoning myself. Right now I take 25mg twice a day so 50mg total per day which is more than a non-DSer should take. Also what kind of iron is it that is better for DSers? 

Following Vitalady's advice and approved by my surgeon and dietitian, 300mg of carbonyl and 1 tablet of Proferrin for heme works very very well for me. My iron markers are amazing.  Past the age of having periods but I still need this much to keep the markers optimum.

--gina

Iron toxicity begins at 10-20mg/kg of elemental iron, with severe toxicity at 50mg/kg or more. At your weight, initial iron poisoning wouldn't happen until 900-1800mg/day, and you'd need WAY more to get into major poisoning. That's based on Internet research, but I'm sure the stuff available to nurses would be more accurate. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_poisoning

Iron seems to be the toughest number to move. You can take large doses for a long time, and your lab values can go up very little. That's why so many people end up with iron infusions, no matter which surgery they have.

What were your most recent lab results for iron, ferritin,and TIBC? There's no need to "feel" like you need to increase it when the lab will tell you for sure.

I have not had my labs yet. I have no insurance and I have been paying cash out of pocket for CT-scans and Biopsies for a spinal tumor so I cannot afford my labs. I do need them and will get them as soon as my tax return comes in. I feel like I need more iron because I have been anemic in the past and know the symptoms. What I am feeling is mild but on top of that I am working on firming up my poo too. So, wondering if I can take more than I am taking without issues. It looks like I can. I will increase it a bit and quit worrying. 

I've been doing 420mg of Ferrous Furmarate once a day (along with extra vit C for better absorption) and my iron numbers have finally come into the healthy range - yay!! 

You might need to take a laxative though.  I use the UK version of Miralax and I've not been constipated thanks to that.

I was taking Iron every single day, but still ended up having a badly needed transfusion.

Sorry to hear you got in such bad need of a transfusion.  I thought I was headed that way myself, but iron's finally starting work for me.

I am taking baby amounts compared to you girls. I am going to double my iron and see if that does not make me feel better and help firm me up. I rarely eat red meat since surgery. I am sure I could use the iron. 

50 mg is a very small dose.  The ASMBS recommends 54 to 63 mg a day for RNY and DS folks, I think.  But many need a lot more than that.

I take 300 mg carbonyl iron daily.

I'd be really surprised if 50 mg was enough for a DSer.