Iron questions/ constipation/ which one and quantity

Hello all. I am just over a month post-surgery and looking for iron suggestions. I was told if my insurance wouldn't cover the prescription ferocon (they didn't) to get iron (ferrous sulfate) 65mg. However, I'm already having issues with constipation, so I'm worried about adding iron. It sounds like people have less issue with carbonyl iron. If I get that, do I still want 65mg?

I use Proferrin ES, which is an oral heme iron supplement from the company, Colorado Biolabs. This product is not cheap but it has fewer side effects (e.g. minimal constipation, nausea, cramping, can be taken with or without food...) and has better absorption rates than other types of iron.

The ferrous sulfate will end up costing you about $1 a month and carbonyl about $5 a month.

Ferrous sulfate works fine for me and does not cause constipation. If it did I would go with the carbonyl.

Ask you doctor about how many mg.

I had surgery in 2007 and did not add iron until 2012. Before that my counts were fine without it as I was no longer menstruating when I had surgery. Then my iron tanked out and I had to add supplements.

When I use to take Iron ( ferrous sulfate ) I had to take Doqlace stool softner so I would not be constipated. Ask your dietitian or pharmacist what kind does not cause constipation. My dietitian told me to take another kind and I can not remember the name. My insurance did not cover it either. I live were we have a grocery store named Meijer and I get the vitamins when they are buy one get one free. I buy 2 bottles so I have 4 in the end, great idea. Good luck

Carbonyl or heme won't constipate. Any of the ferrous salts will.

Aim for the same 65 mg of elemental iron. Down the line you'll need to make adjustments.

Take 200 mg of Vitamin C with every 30mg of elemental iron. Don't take iron within 2 hours of dairy, calcium, tea, or coffee.

Great info Grim. Also don't take iron within 4 hours of taking thyroid medication.