Elemental Iron
So, I was researching vitamins and the ASMSB recommends elemental iron in a particular dosage.
My initial questions were "What is meant by elemental iron? Iron is an element!" And "What brands/salts/etc are elemental iron." Here is a simple explanation from St. Luke's Bariatric Services describing the anemia after WLS. It addresses the elemental iron questions. I am off to order some iron fumerate now (or track it down).
"
If you are diagnosed with low iron, additional iron supplementation is
recommended. Oral iron supplements typically sold are ferrous sulfate, ferrous
gluconate and ferrous fumerate. Ferrous sulfate is the least expensive and most
commonly used over the counter iron supplement. However, it is not as effectively
absorbed as ferrous fumerate. Each form of iron contains different levels of
elemental iron. For instance, 325 mg of ferrous sulfate provides 65 mg of
elemental iron, 325 mg of ferrous gluconate provides 35 mg of elemental iron, and
325 mg of ferrous fumerate provides 108 mg of elemental iron. In tablets, entericcoated
and extended-release iron supplements are not recommended due to
decreased absorption after weight-loss surgery."
RNY Surgery: 12/31/2013;
Current weight (2/27/2015) 139lbs, ~14% body fat
Three pounds below Goal!!! Yay !
I use carbonyl iron because it's all elemental iron.
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.