Question:
which Iron supplement is most effective , with no after taste?

My doctor told me to take an OTC iron supplement . I am trying to find one that has no odor or aftertaste. Also , with so many different types , which have you found to be most readily absorbed? Have others experienced jewelry discoloration(black or green marks) on there skin ( where the gold touches) when there Iron is low?    — Rose A. (posted on February 2, 2001)

February 2, 2001
Regarding the low iron and jewelry. Sorry, it's a non sequitar. (Pop quiz on Tuesday.)When you have gold jewelry on, chances are it's going to 14 carat. Pure gold is 24 carats but it's too soft for jewelry so the 10 carat difference is made up with alloys of nickel or copper. If the alloy is copper, your skin stains green. If the alloy is nickel, you get a black band. Both are formed under moist conditions. Your sweat contains fats and fatty acids which act as mild abrasives on the alloys causing the discolorations. Rings containing copper or silver alloys, especially sterling silver, readily corrode in the presence of salt, whether it's in sweat or even from eating salted nuts or popcorn.
   — blank first name B.

February 2, 2001
Ferrous SULFATE (in any form) is not well absorbed. It will smell, burp back and cause constipation. It also blocks absorption of Vit E, which RNY already do not get. Ferrous fumarate is one option, carbonyl iron is another. Iron should be taken with a vit C (any that is not in an oil gel), alone for an hour, and not with caffeine, milk, Tums, antacids, calcium or any other minerals, antibiotics or other meds.
   — vitalady