Can anyone tell me their experience with extra iron?

Barker2+1 · August 2015

ok so my dr called me yesterday to tell me that my blood work can back and I have an iron deficiency. They want me to start taking an iron supplement. They warned me that it could make me constipated and I should start a stool softener too. Went to the pharmacy and the pharmacist told me I am in for a rough few months as this supplement is known to cause lots of stomache issues not just constipation. Now I am nervous to take the supplement. I was hoping you ladies could share your experience with it. I know it's not an option to take it or not but still feeling very anxious to take it tonight and I would like to know what I am in for from someone who has actually taken it. Thanks!

VexedMommy · August 2015

Constipation is the main issue I've ever had with it.

Kern91 · August 2015

I have to take extra iron as well and the doctor said to just get over the counter Iron supplement. It was a certain grams but I don't have it with me. Anyways I take it when I take my pre natal vitamin and so far it has been fine for me. I didn't get a warning about constipation from my doctor or anyone else. I had to take it with my first baby as well and was told just to finish them up after I had baby.

I didn't have to take them with my second so I'm wondering if I will have to finish them up after baby with this one?!

lulamagoo · August 2015

I have had mild constipation since starting them. Nothing super painful. I haven't had to take the colace yet but I figure if constipationsnis my biggest complaint right now I am doing okay.

MargaretC5 · August 2015

I was on iron suppliments for years and never had constipation or stomach trouble, but I also still had low iron (I was not absorbing the iron that well, but the suppliments at least got me to the acceptable range).
I became a vegetarian about 5 years ago and my problems with iron stopped. I am not recommending being a vegetarian but maybe try some more plant based iron sources. A spinach salad with mandarin oranges it a good choice (vitamin c help absorb iron). Also beans are a good source, check the labels some are higher then others. Regular Goya chickpeas ( not the low sodium) have 25% in one serving.
If nothing else veggie and beans will help if you do get constipated.
Also there are different types of iron suppliments if the one you have bother your stomach try another one. I found natural food store near me that had a much better variety of vitamins then the local drug store.

VexedMommy · August 2015

MargaretC5 said:

I was on iron suppliments for years and never had constipation or stomach trouble, but I also still had low iron (I was not absorbing the iron that well, but the suppliments at least got me to the acceptable range). I became a vegetarian about 5 years ago and my problems with iron stopped. I am not recommending being a vegetarian but maybe try some more plant based iron sources. A spinach salad with mandarin oranges it a good choice (vitamin c help absorb iron). Also beans are a good source, check the labels some are higher then others. Regular Goya chickpeas ( not the low sodium) have 25% in one serving. If nothing else veggie and beans will help if you do get constipated. Also there are different types of iron suppliments if the one you have bother your stomach try another one. I found natural food store near me that had a much better variety of vitamins then the local drug store.

Sweet. I just made hummus with the Goya chickpeas last night. Yay for making healthy choices even if I they weren't conscious choices.

katiedhunter · August 2015

Have never had stomach problems just constipation once and a while.

skabanak · August 2015

Kern91 said:
I have to take extra iron as well and the doctor said to just get over the counter Iron supplement. It was a certain grams but I don't have it with me. Anyways I take it when I take my pre natal vitamin and so far it has been fine for me. I didn't get a warning about constipation from my doctor or anyone else. I had to take it with my first baby as well and was told just to finish them up after I had baby.

I didn't have to take them with my second so I'm wondering if I will have to finish them up after baby with this one?!

I had to take it with my first daughter and now in my third pregnancy. I lost a lot of blood with dd1 during delivery so they kept me on it. A couple weeks later I got MAJORLY itchy on my feet and hands, apparently that's what happens when you've got too much iron so I was taken off it!!!

mamavbs · August 2015

I had to take iron after baby number 1 as I was low after my csection... And it actually caused the opposite issues. I had really bad diarrhea! My doctor said it was a side effect of the tablets but as constipation is more common that's usually what you assume you'll get. I got quite bad stomach pain with it, a bit like IBS pains

satindawl83 · August 2015

I have to take extra iron and I've never experienced issues. But I made an effort to take my prenatal at night and the iron in the morning to at least split the load up.

No pun intended.

Squirtgun · August 2015

I was put on extra iron after daughter was born, and was told to drink ALOT of water with it. It seemed to help, as I never had constipation issues except when I'd slack on water consumption. (I had one of those huge water cups the hospital gives you, and I'd drink about three cups a day. I don't know if that's a lot for some people, but it's a lot for me!)

Puddlewonderful · August 2015

I'm on day 3 of iron supplements after I passed my GD test but showed some anemia. I haven't had any issues and if anything I've been more regular. I do take it with dinner just in case it makes me sick so I'll be home rather than at work when anything hits.

Barker2+1 · August 2015

Thanks ladies! The pharmacist sorta scared me with his talk of stomache issues I feel so much more peace hearing your stories. I will definitely be upping my water intake. Here's hoping my experience is like all of yours! Thank you all so much

dramaphile · August 2015

Other foods with iron: most cereals are now iron enriched (just read the label), also nuts/nut butters and dried fruits, and chocolate! Specifically dark chocolate, the more cocoa the better. I was borderline anemic several years ago because I was eating food with barely any iron in it, so I went on a label-reading frenzy... Did you know a slice of Trader Joe's Flourless Chocolate Cake has 15% of your RDV of Iron? You're welcome

katie10287 · August 2015

The iron in my prenatals was making me super sick so when I found out I was anemic I told the doctor and she said I could take Flintstones vitamins. It's a different type of iron and way easier on the stomach

jscasher · August 2015

I just got prescribed iron supplements as well

however, I've been taking them and the last few days have been fine. I attribute my success to my morning ritual of high fiber brown sugar and cinnamon oatmeal!

wedding crazed · August 2015

I've never had any issues with them and have had to take them all 4 pregnancies now. Never needed a stool softener either.

AliceJon · August 2015

I am also low on iron but am taking small doses- 100mg a day- which is enough for me and does not cause me as much stomach pain as when I took 300mg. See with your doctor what dosage is enough for you. I use Jamieson Iron supplements. Check at your pharmacy (over the counter).

Peanut1128 · August 2015

I get some indigestion but I already had that. Make sure you read the label closely, certain foods can interact with your absorption of the iron and my doctor said not to take it at the same time as my prenatal or my body would not absorb the pill and it would be a waste. They picked up that I had low iron on my GD blood work.

Ceb2015 · August 2015

I've had low iron for over 10 years. There are some brands that are harder on the stomach. However, think of it this way: if your iron continues to drop, you will start to feel lousy! It's better that they caught the low iron now and you can take supplements to help. If you are worried about constipation take the stool softener and start eating Activia yogurt at least once a day- that helps me have no issues. Good luck!!

elbou · August 2015

I agree with the other ladies. I had to take iron supplements right at the end of my last pregnancy and didn't experience any issues. The only difference I noticed was actually a good thing...it upped my energy levels!

I was very tired and having a hard time keeping up with day-to-day activities before I started taking them. After a couple days, I noticed I wasn't as tired anymore, and even had the energy to do extra things like taking my girls to the park again, which hadn't happened in a few weeks.

lindenmr · August 2015

i'm going to thank all the ladies that have posted on this thread too, even though I didn't start it. I passed by glucose test this past saturday but was told my iron levels were low as well. I started taking a supplement a few days ago, and so far, no side effects, but the doctor did tell me to take it at a different time than when I take my prenatals. I take my prenatals in the morning, so I just take my iron pill before I go to bed at night and haven't had any issues the past couple nights. Hopefully it stays this way!

greyphoenix · August 2015

I take fiber capsules with my iron and prenatal pill. When I was taking Zofran in the beginning I got severely constipated. Even though I eat iron rich foods I have always been anemic.

VexedMommy · August 2015

I don't remember if it was mentioned in this thread (there have been a couple on anemia now) but taking your iron pill with vitamin c is great because it aids absorption. Taking it with caffeine or calcium keeps your body from absorbing it.

rox7777 · August 2015

I take the gummy iron supplements paired with a vitamin c gummy supplement. The gummy version is easier on my stomach. I took the pill when I was pregnant with DS1 and ended up throwing up every night.

Towards the end I just ate a big juicy steak once or twice a week. It worked wonders.

Barker2+1 · August 2015

Well I went to take my iron supplement last night and was reading over all the paperwork again only to discover you can't take iron with antacids. I have been in omeperazole for a few months because of awful heartburn. Called the on call pharmacist and they said have to take the two at least 5 hours apart which would have been awesome to know earlier in the day. Went to the store and stocked up on vitamin c rich foods and got some nuts steak and broccoli. Hitting trader joes for the flourless chocolate cake tomorrow thanks @dramaphile for the heads up on that one. Thanks for all the helpful tips ladies!

NancyG1661 · August 2015

I got the "you are anemic and have to take iron" at the doc Monday. Here's hoping I don't have to add constipation to my list of fun pregnancy woes.

japostolova · September 2015

I've been taking iron supplements for 2-3 days now with tums because I have extreme heartburn all day and didn't feel comfortable taking any pills for it. Of course my obgyn has mentioned nothing about taking the two together! I have to call them in the morning ... Thanks for the heads up

Barker2+1 · September 2015

@NancyG1661 I just thought I would let you know I haven't had any constipation! Pp were right though about taking it with a meal if I don't the nauseous feeling comes back with a vengeance! Good luck

aleecats · September 2015

*s15 lurker!!*

I was diagnosed with anemia a few weeks ago and started an iron supplement, I actually have an opposite issue, it's made food run right through me!
The only other issue I've had is until my
Body got used to it I felt nauseous like crazy after taking it! But I've been on it for about a month and a half now and it actually helped a lot! I can breath better, I feel more energized, and over all better!

mrsgabus · September 2015

Ive just finished week one on extra iron, Constipation is the only thing ive dealt with and Not too bad.

marisolnunez87 · September 2015

Floradix, a little pricey but it's awesome. Women in Europe take it as a part of prenatal care. Pregnancy in general can lead to constipation so just stay hydrated and lots of fiber

tmandato1234 · September 2015

I got so sick off of them I stopped taking them. I would wake up around six and puke on and off for an hour. Remember everyone is different. As for constipation, nothing a couple of sips of coffee won't fix.

makeoutside7 · September 2015

I was diagnosed as anemic two weeks ago. My doctor gave me 2 weeks worth of a prescription iron supplement called ferralet 90 and I feel like there is fiber in it too because it doesn't make me constipated. I don't know what it retails for so I've decided to switch my prenatal vitamins to one that offers more iron from Healthy Mama to Rainbow. The only downside it that it does not have DHA so now I have to take a separate pill for that. I know how you feel, hang in there! Just a few more months...

threatlevelmidnight · September 2015

marisolnunez87 said:
Floradix, a little pricey but it's awesome. Women in Europe take it as a part of prenatal care. Pregnancy in general can lead to constipation so just stay hydrated and lots of fiber

I second this! I've been taking Floradix my whole pregnancy due to low iron, and I haven't had one problem with constipation my entire pregnancy. I also am taking Natural Calm magnesium tea which is supposed to help any constipation. I take it for the tension in my neck though.

brownloveone · September 2015

aleecats said:
*s15 lurker!!*

I was diagnosed with anemia a few weeks ago and started an iron supplement, I actually have an opposite issue, it's made food run right through me!
The only other issue I've had is until my
Body got used to it I felt nauseous like crazy after taking it! But I've been on it for about a month and a half now and it actually helped a lot! I can breath better, I feel more energized, and over all better!

I'm having the same side effects. Upset stomach diarrhea and nausea. I've only been on it a week. I really hope it gets better.

aleecats · September 2015

brownloveone said:

aleecats said:
*s15 lurker!!*

I was diagnosed with anemia a few weeks ago and started an iron supplement, I actually have an opposite issue, it's made food run right through me!
The only other issue I've had is until my
Body got used to it I felt nauseous like crazy after taking it! But I've been on it for about a month and a half now and it actually helped a lot! I can breath better, I feel more energized, and over all better!

I'm having the same side effects. Upset stomach diarrhea and nausea. I've only been on it a week. I really hope it gets better.

@brownloveone hey I hope it got better! I've been on mine for about two months or something like that and now I don't feel sick or get an upset stomach as much, it helps slot with my energy level too!

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