Question:
What iron supplement is best absorbed?

My seven month's lab work showed a low saturated iron level and the nurse told me to start on a daily iron pill. I looked at the library on this site, but I am confused as to what is the best absorbed iron supplement. I'd appreciate some advise. Thanks, Donna    — Donna H. (posted on October 11, 2003)

October 11, 2003
Bariatric Advantage has a good iron pill you can get them direct from BariatricAdvantage.com or WLSSupplies.com.
   — Melissa P.

October 11, 2003
Hello. My nutritionist recommends iron in the form of Ferrous Sulfate. She recommends one 325 mg tablet or 65 mg of elemental iron. Along with that a daily multivitamin is recommended with iron.
   — AmyWollet

October 11, 2003
I have/had low iron. Over the counter including "vitron C" just didnt work. My PCP had to order 'prescription' iron. Must be working.. I had lab work for my surgeon this past week and Iron is up to 12 (in 3 months..)
   — star .

October 11, 2003
Nutritionists and surgeons keep putting patients on ferrous sulfate--why I'll never know. It is simply not absorbed well by us post-ops and is very hard on your stomach and intestines(I know from experience). Carboneal iron and ferrous fumerate are better choices; taken with Vitamin C they absorb well and don't produce the side effects that the ferrous sulfate does.
   — LLinderman

October 11, 2003
I THINK THE BEST VITAMINS FOR ALL WLS PATIENTS IS THE VITAMIST BRAND.... THEY HAVE JUST ABOUT EVERY KIND YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMANGINE (INCLUDING IRON) AND IT IS A SPRAY VITAMIN THAT IS 90% ABSORBED AND SINCE YOU SPRAY IT RIGHT ON THE INSIDE CHEEK THERE IS NOTHING TO SWALLOW OR BREAK DOWN. HOPE THIS HELPS. ANGIE
   — Angie-H

October 11, 2003
For small dose, the carbonyl irons seems to be the most agreeable one. For large doses, though, the polysaccharride form seems to be the best OTC. I think it is the only one that comes in that high dose without Rx. Although on paper, fe gluconate & fumarate are better (anything is better than sulfate), my eyeballs with real people tell me it's not that great, either. If you are able to do Rx, Chromagen Forte, Trinsicon and Niferex Forte are 3 brands that are often well absorbed by "us". But not all are a perfect match for everyone. And as someone said, iron is taken with vit C, not with caffeine or dairy, nor any vites, minerals or meds. Alone together, for at least an hour.
   — vitalady

October 11, 2003
If you have had the rny the most absorbable iron is the ferrous Fumarate. I have been anemic since my ps (tis normal to get this). I have talked to many farther out post ops, 3yrs plus out and this is what i am told by ALL of them. So this is what i take. Remember do NOT take your calcium within 4 hours of iron, they cancel each other out.
   — tinalivesay