I need a different iron supplement...

[OceanPrincess]

Hi ladies,

At my last BT my ferritin (sp?) levels were low - not haemoglobin but ferritin, which is apparently the body's stores of iron, as opposed to red blood cells (haemoglobin).

She said its normal at this stage of the pg, as the baby sucks out my iron stores to try and build up its own... but that I should increase my iron supplement to counteract it.

I'd been taking ferrograd-f, which she said I could take two tabs instead of one, if that wasn't causing me any constipation. Well it wasn't - but now two of them are.

She did mention that there are others I can take if I'm getting blocked up but my next appt isn't til next week and I want to change to something else now as I'm sick of feeling yuk because I'm not having my regular bowel movements!

Can anyone recommend one that won't make me so constipated?

Failing that, what are some good sources of natural fibre? I've already started taking the Benefibre again...

[allycat06]

Hi OP
I take Floradix, it's a liquid herbal iron supplement. I find it easier to digest than the tablets you can get it at health food stores. I know what you mean about that hideous blocked up feeling! In regards to natural fibre, lentils, chickpeas and the like are good. Also pears.
Hope thats helpful

[Jasper76]

I have only ever taken spatone and floradix for low iron levels. Both are easily absorbed (they are liquids) and I've never had a problem with constipation. Both readily available at health food stores.

Remember lots of water and unprocessed foods to help with constipation which is sadly very common in pregnancy regardless of taking iron.

[OceanPrincess]

Thanks ladies, floradix might be the one the MW mentioned - she said something about a liquid one. Might need to check that out.

Its horrible isn't it alleycat - I just feel so bleh!

Lentils, chickpeas... we don't eat a lot of them, maybe I should...

Pears... would pear juice be ok? I have some of that at home...

I know prunes of course...

[alioops]

I used Spatone. Put it with orange juice each morning. With my dodgy pelvis I couldn't afford to be pushing too much because my pelvic floor was all that was holding me together.

[Hansie]

I second spatone as per alioops instructions. I currently take one in a morning and one at night in orange juice. You need the vit c to help the iron absorb! Never had a problem with constipation in either of my pregnancies whilst using it and you can't taste it in OJ.

[Tanya]

I use spatone bought it online because it was heaps cheaper than the local health food store.

[jackrose]

I was also advised by my midwife to seek out a liquid iron supplement as in a liquid form it is much more easily absorbed than iron in tablet form. I see you are in Melb, me too! My midwife directed me to a pharmacy called Dartnell's Pharmacy which is in Surrey Hills (VIC), they make up the supplement there. (I also picked up a post-partum tonic there full of all sorts of goodies for after birth!) They will take orders over the phone and send some to you if you can't get there.

I also took my supplement with OJ as vitamin C helps with iron absorption.

BTW - I didn't notice any problems with constipation with the liquid form.

[allycat06]

I was also advised by my midwife to seek out a liquid iron supplement as in a liquid form it is much more easily absorbed than iron in tablet form. I see you are in Melb, me too! My midwife directed me to a pharmacy called Dartnell's Pharmacy which is in Surrey Hills (VIC), they make up the supplement there.

The owner/pharmacist is a family friend of ours

[luna moth]

I take Floradix. Have also taken Fabfol, it's an iron chelate in tablet form, so constipates less.

Why not kep going with the ferrograd and top up with a liquid?

To combat the constipation, eat 6 dates and 6 dried apricots every day. Sulphur free is best. The big bonus is that they're also a great source of iron Same goes with lentils and chickpeas. Let me know if you want some recipes. This little vegan knows a few...

[tinkerbelle]

prunes, or psyllium on breakfast cereal - always work for constipation.. eating an apple once a day is also good

[Daydream Believer]

Im taking ferrograd-C, because I have to take a minimum has of 80 mgs of elemental iron a day & that 105mgs. It seems to be ok I have only had one issue with constipation & that was straight after I started them. But I was also told to take them every 2nd day for a week, then every day after that & I took them everyday, otherwise I would have forgotten.