Iron Quiz
Here’s today’s quiz. And we’re talking about non-heme iron, which is what most of us probably think of when we hear the word “iron," anyway.
How much iron does the ASMBS say menstruating women need daily?
How much do they say the rest of us need?
Should we take a multi with iron or without iron?
What type of iron is least likely to cause constipation?
What vitamin can we take with our iron to increase absorption, and how much of it should we take?
What vitamin or mineral can prevent the absorption of iron and should be taken as least two hours away from our iron supplement? Bonus points if you can tell us how much of that vitamin or mineral is needed to block the absorption of iron (small amounts of it won’t cause a problem).
What are some common symptoms of iron deficiency?
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
The Nut put me on 60mg of chewable ferrous fumarate with 120mg of added Vit C to assist with absorption. When I followed up with the surgeon at my two week post op appt the surgeon told me to discontinue the iron, that I didn't need it!
The Nut got riled up and again told me to take the iron. Arrggghhhh!!!!
I am an RN and my common sense tells me that because I am young and still having menstrual periods, I need an iron supplement. I take a multi with 18mg of iron twice daily but due to malabsorption I am sure this is not enough. In the past I have had a low H&H on occasion, most likely due to heavy periods. I have ordered Bariatric Advantage Chewable iron (60mg) and will begin them when they arrive here. I was taking Celebrate iron but it tasted awful to me... :(
I think calcium is the problematic mineral for absorption of iron but don't have a clue how much is needed to have it be a problem. I seem to remember being told to space it two hours from the iron.
Is there anything else I should know???
The ASMBS also says menstruating women need a total of 54-63 mg iron, so 18-27 mg more than what's in your two multis. However, I will say that many post ops seem to need more, often a lot more. But you'll adjust based on your labs.
Vitamin C helps with absorption but you need 200 mg C per every 30 mg iron, so the vitamin C in the chewable iron you're taking is not enough to do anything.
Calcium is the problem mineral. 300 mg or more blocks the absorption of iron. So it's OK if a multi has a little calcium in it, as most do, because it's usually not enough to block the iron in the same pill.
And calcium and iron need to be taken at least two hours apart.
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
Oh never mind. You gave the answers already.
RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!
