Taking too much iron? Vegetarian question.?

Question

I became a vegetarian last november (for those of you who know, I'm a pesca-ovo-lacto-vegetarian, I eat fish, eggs and milk) but lately I've been very tired. I eat tons of protein - cheese beans, tofu, and TVP (if you don't know what it is, don't worry about it, it's a BETTER source of protein that meat!) but I totally neglected to supplement my iron intake. (duh)

So, I went out to buy iron supplements and I found IRON AID!
Which contains:
150mg vitamin C (250% daily value)
Folic Acid 400 mcg (100% daily value)
Vitamin B12 100 mcg (1,667% daily value) !!!
Iron 25 mg (139% daily value)

Well I'm not on a 2000 calorie diet. My intake is more like 1,200 calories per day. I'm a smaller person (we've been over this with my doctor, I just can't eat that much! And I'm a healthy weight!)

What's this all gonna DO to me? Is ODing on these vitamins going to have annoying side effects?
Go ahead. be graphic. I can take it.
Just don't be rude about my choice to be vegetarian.

will consult a nutritionist...when I'm richer. Right now, I'm on an HMO and my group would NEVER approve a nutritionist in a million years. I doubt they'd test my blood, but I can ask my jerk doctor :o)

there is such a thing as a pesca-vegetarian. We're not all vegans. Some us boycott the poultry and beef industry and don't have a problem eating fish.
Expand your thinking.

Answer 1

You don't need that much iron. A fortified cereal in addition to what you are already eating should be sufficient. You might want to check the nutrition label on your milk too, some have a little added iron. Too much iron can cause bowel problems and stomach ulcers. Some studies even suggest that being slightly anemic may reduce your risk of heart disease (slightly being the operative word; if you're feeling sick it's not good).

That's also quite a bit of B12...I don't think it's toxic but you don't need that much. You will be getting enough from the eggs, milk and fish. If you're eating all of those things in addition to lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains you really don't need a supplement of any kind.

Answer 2

Dumb question, but are you getting enough sleep? How about iodine? Throw a couple of kelp tablets in to keep your thyroid happy. Taking the iron will be ok. You might want to take it every other day. If you donate blood they will check your iron (free!) and in some cases cholesterol (free!). My husband and I are reading body building stuff. Maybe you could use some carbs to give your body some more available energy. Are you getting cardio exercise? I know I felt tired a while back because I was out of shape. It's sad when you trudge up a little hill and get winded. You can be out of shape and thin at the same time.

Answer 3

If you are based in the US, I'd strongly recommend that you check dietary details here

http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/special/foodlabel/dvs.html

The second thing I'd say to you is indeed to go to your local health centre or GP, because they normally are able to explain to you what kind of chemical reactions take place during digestion: you should know, for instance, that calcium may inhibit the absorption of iron, regardless of how much iron you're taking. An excess of vitamin C is also pointless as our body absorbs up to a certain point only. An excess of iron may actually cause constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. High doses of iron can be fatal particularly if taken by children.

Answer 4

I will try to keep it simple. Your metabolism is basically the rate at which your body burns calories to create energy. So the faster your metabolism, the faster you burn calories and the easier it is to lose unwanted weight. To boost your metabolism naturally you just need to eat the right foods.

You can sit down and literally eat a 1,000-calorie dinner and yet be absolutely starving just a few hours later and the reason is simple: Because your body didnt get what it needed in those 1,000 calories so it sends signals to your brain telling you to ingest more calories and thus, the late-night cravings. That means that the surest way to end those late-night cravings and keep your weight loss goals on track is to eat a more balanced, nutritious diet that actually gives your body what it needs.

It's VERY EASY to lose weight if you eat the right foods. Check out this video here: http://www.sexyjese.com - it will blow your mind.

Answer 5

You are better off taking a multi-vitamin like the one you have purchased than a strictly iron supplement. I don't think it'll be a problem. If anything, it will help. However, the iron, if it is a drastic increase to your normal intake, may cause you to be constipated, have stomach cramping, or even end up with diarhea. It affects everyone differently.

Answer 6

I would consult a nutritionist before taking. They will have better quality products.

Also, before assuming you have an iron deficiency, I would get a blood test to test all your levels. Making any sort of rapid change to the body, will produce side effects. You have been a vegetarian for less than a year. It's better to know exactly the reason before downing an bunch of supplements.

Answer 7

you could be constipated, and if you take any thyroid meds, wait four hours in between the meds as the combo will cause the thyroid one not to work.

I am also a pesca-vegetarian, and i don't understand all the disregaurds to questions when this word comes up. I am sure it is a holier than thou trip these certain people are having. In truth we are getting some fantastic lean protien, that has those super good for you omega 3's. and eating too much soy is not good for you at all.

oh and you can take a vitamin B12 for a boost of energy. good stuff. good luck and stay on top of it, i hate being anemic.

Answer 8

Here is a web site with a list of foods that contain iron and how much. It will help you get the iron you need without a supplement.

http://health.rutgers.edu/factsheets/iron.htm

Answer 9

Good sources of vegetarian iron include legumes, whole grains (including wholemeal bread), wheat germ, oatmeal, green leafy vegetables, peas, broccoli, potatoes, nuts, seeds, peaches and dried fruit.

P.S> Kitkat and frank are correct, vegetarians do not eat fish no matter what your reasons are for being one.

Answer 10

Sweetie, you aren't vegetarian if you eat fish. There is no such thing as a vegetarian that eats any animals. Iron can be found in many vegetarian foods...and too much of many things cant be good.

Read labels...so many things have iron...if you eat properly, you dont need supplements. Watch your protein as well....you dont need half as much as you think you do.

Expand my thinking? I could care less what you eat but whatever you call yourself, dont call yourself a vegetarian. What part of "Vegetarians do not eat fish" dont you understand?