This began back in August 2006 when at my ob/gyn office they said that my levels were low including my iron, red and white blood cells. I began taking Slow Fe iron supplements which made me feel awful so I stopped taking them and began on a multivitamin that had 100% of needed iron according to daily needs. I began to feel tired, etc and my mom suspected anemia. I went to my doctor for testing and they did blood work would concluded that all my levels were fine including iron. After that I began taking a new multi-vitamin with 200% of my needed intake, and my cereal is high in iron with 50% of needed intake. I went to give blood today and they said that my iron is low and I'm unable to donate. My question is why am I needing so much iron, why is my body not absorbing it, etc? Anyone else had any problems or suggestions are greatly appreciated!Also I have chapped lips for about the past 5 months which be the same amount of time. It seems as though my body just is not absorbing anything.
2007-01-22 01:59:52 · 6 answers · asked by misschick87 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Also, my hematocrit was 33.5% which was only about 2 points low however it's been for a while and my mom is worried.
2007-01-22 02:00:25 · update #1
Keep in mind that the iron level cut-off for blood donations is not dangerously low for a normal person, just for a person about to loose a pint of blood, and the person who needs it.
if you are having iron absorption issues, your bowel movements will be dark.
vitamin c i believe helps in the absorption of iron, but other minerals do not.
this is from about.com:
Most supplements for women contain both iron and calcium, but I've heard that the body has a hard time absorbing both at once and that they should be taken at different times of the day. Is this true?
Genevieve
A. Calcium rich products can interfere with the absorption from iron that comes from plant sources or supplements. If you are taking a multivitamin for general health that contains both minerals, you may lose a little bit of the iron, but you will still absorb some of it. If you are taking iron to treat anemia, or for any other health reasons, then take your iron 2 hours apart from your calcium, or any dairy products. Don't take iron with vitamin E at the same time either.
2007-01-28 19:17:46 · answer #1 · answered by romana2112 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CAFFEINE
Do you drink a lot of caffeinated beverage or eat a lot of chocolate? You're not going to like this......
But caffeine decreases your body's ability to absorb iron.
Midwives have strict rules about caffeine consumption when they are doing home births because they want the mother's iron to be exceptionally high.
I had low iron during my last pregnancy (below 10). When my midwife checked my iron shortly before my due date, it was over 13! This is how I did it.
NO caffeine.
ALFAFA-6 Tablets daily
BLACK STRAP MOLASSES- 1 Tablespoon on toast daily
I am currently giving my 15-month-old Alfalfa tea because her iron is low.
Read more about Alfalfa here:
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/AHC
2007-01-23 17:33:00 · answer #2 · answered by diamond8784 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try taking your vitamins with orange juice or an extra vitamin c tablet. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron.
Are your periods heavy? That can lower your iron levels, as well.
2007-01-22 02:08:56 · answer #3 · answered by suzykew70 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
instead of multivitamin bullcrap, try something more natural, like spinach :-), it's healthy alright, it's tasty, and surprize!!! It's full with Fe. U might also try some water that might contain a bit higher levels of Fe. Think natural & good luck!
2007-01-22 02:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably have Iron Deficancy Anemia, just follow the link.
2007-01-22 02:07:24 · answer #5 · answered by Monte T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.anemia.org/professionals/monograph/
2007-01-22 02:19:35 · answer #6 · answered by kristen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋