Question:
What is the most absorbable kind of iron?

I am pre-op and have iron deficiency anemia. What is the best type of iron that is absorbed?    — Amee F. (posted on December 17, 2002)

December 17, 2002
Ferrous sulfate is the WORST absorbed iron, and the most often recommended. Try carbonyl iron or polysaccharide iron. Both of those are OTC and well absorbed, no stomach or bowel distress with those. Iron is always taken with a vit C, an hour apart from caffeine, dairy, other vites & minerals, and meds. Those 2 can be taken with or without food.
   — vitalady

December 17, 2002
My nutritionist recommended ferrous FUMERATE. I use vitron-C tablets from CVS, but they are a bit pricey. They have vitamin C in them which is supposed to make them more absorbable. Also, don't buy anything extended release..it won't do us post ops any good.
   — sheltie

December 17, 2002
I take Chromagen Forte. It has vit C built-in. I think it is a fabulous iron supplement. I haven't had any problems with iron levels and I've taken it since 3 weeks post-op. I take two pills a day. Now, it isn't cheap (about 50/month) and some insurances may not cover (I had it partially covered, then not covered at all. NOw it is covered in full on my new plan). It is worth it, though! What does your surgeon say about the type of iron you need? All the best, Teresa (lap DS January 25, 2001 Emergency open hernia repair, November 30, 2002 preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 (5'10") now: 138 lbs/bmi 19.8
   — Teresa N.