iron question

 I was  told  to look for  iron  that was not "  elemental iron "  because  we couldn't absorb it an also  to take it with vitamin C  and  away  from calcium ...  is that correct ?  

I bought ...  two  kinds of iron 

smart care   Ferro Sequels  with iron as ferrous fumarate  ( 50 mg )  

and Vitamin Shoppe   comfort Iron  ( Iron  Bisglycinate ) 25mg  which  is ferrochel ferrous  bisglycinate  chelate   


  

I think both of those choices are good. It's not elemental iron we can't absorb it's ferrous sulfates--the cheap stuff you get at the drug store. But, you got it right with those irons, give it a 2 hour window of opportunity on either side to absorb with vitamin C but no dairy, calcium, eggs, whole wheat, or caffeine. Iron is a weakling so it has to be babied. If you can't do 2 hours due to your other vites, give it and hour and a half or 1 hour...just some space.

--gina
 

Okay how about Vitamin shoppes Floradix iron and herbs? It is manufactored by Salus-Haus. It is liquid, easier to absorb, less constipating (so I have been told.)  My DD took it while she was PG.
Ruby
3/2005
262/125/135
hi/lo/today (ugh) 

Nope.  Not correct.

All iron has elemental iron in it.  Like, ferrous sulfate has 65 mg elemental iron in 325 mg.

Carbonyl iron is all elemental iron and we absorb it best because it require much stomach acid to absorb it.  Also, because it's all elemental iron, it does not make you constipated.

It is correct to take it with vitamin C, though.  The ratio is 200 mg C for every 30 mg elemental iron.

And do take it at least two hours away from calcium.

Kelly

Okay how about Vitamin shoppes Floradix iron and herbs? It is manufactored by Salus-Haus. It is liquid, easier to absorb, less constipating (so I have been told.)  My DD took it while she was PG.
Ruby
3/2005
262/125/135
hi/lo/today (ugh) 

I had to google it but it looks like it is ferrous gluconate, which doesn't contain that much elemental iron.  About 35 mg in every 300 mg.  I would guess it would be constipating but I've never tried it personally.  It does take stomach acid to be absorbed though, which we don't have much of.

Kelly

 Thank You  beautiful knowledgeable  Ladies  

The best combo of irons I've found are carbonyl and heme iron. The carbonyl does require all the separation and vitamin C but the heme iron doesn't. Vitalady's Tender iron is carbonyl and Proferrin is heme iron. You may be able to get a PCP to prescribe Proferrin Forte. OTC is Proferrin ES, which VL also carries. No stomach upset or constipation with that one.

--gina

Hi, Gina -

I just want to make sure I have this right.  Is it that Tender Iron, Proferrin ES or Proferrin Forte do not require 2 hour time intervals?  Thanks!

Amy

Tender iron is carbonyl, so it DOES require the two hour thing.  Proferrin is heme iron so it does not.

Kelly