2nd Trimester

Iron supplements question

I was told today by my doctor's office that my iron is low and I need to start taking 300 mg of Iron.  Then I went to buy Iron and discovered it comes in a bunch of forms and they are well under 300 mg for essential iron, but something called ferrous sulfate comes in that dose.  I bought that one, but have no idea if that's correct.

I have a call into my doctor's office to figure out what kind of iron to get, but since iron deficiency is common in 2nd trimester, I thought I'd see if anyone is taking supplements in this dose and knows what the heck iron supplements are about.

TIA

Re: Iron supplements question

  • You're right on the money.  He was giving you the dose for ferrous sulfate.  They also sell elemental iron that is a lot easier on the stomach (and possibly less constipating).  Basically, one pill of elemental iron has the same amount of iron as one pill of ferrous sulfate.  I have been anemic for a while (pre-pregnancy) and have taken elemental iron without any trouble.  But, you should try what you've got and see if it agrees with you.  Hope that helps!
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  • My doc put me on one that I had to get through the pharmacy, but wasn't covered by my insurance. I think its Ferrelet 90.
  • Yep, that's it.  Something else important they don't tell you about absorption.  To help your body take up the iron, take the supplement with fruit or juice high in Vit C.  Avoid taking it with dairy, spinach, and coffee/tea.
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  • Great.  Thanks for the info.  Looks like I might have to wait on the call back so I'm glad to know I probably got the right stuff.
  • i was put on iron too.  they gave me a prescription but then the pharmacist said that I should get the over the counter iron called Slow FE, but the Target brand.  Its like $4.99, as opposed to over $30 & when I called my Doctor, he said it was a perfect substitute.  It is a slow release iron pill.
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