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My lab shows low iron and I have begun taking iron supplements.Tried taking SLow release iron 45mg and then tried ferrous sulfate 65 mg both made me have to go to the bathroom too often with some mild stomach discomfort and therefore increased butt burn.  I tried some Carbonal iron 45 mg. and had no negative reaction.  What is the difference of the 2 types of iron in general, and  on helping to address my low iron?   Secondly, the carbonyal one is larger and harder pill  and seems harder to dissolve altho I dont see it in its whole form in the potty after I empty my pouch. Can I assume it is able to be broken down and digested (and is  not just being deposited whole in the toilet when I go?)  Should I try alternating every other day the 2 types to see if that will mininize the side effect of the ferrous sulfate? That may be a good idea especially because the ferrous sulfate has more elemental iron in it. Thanks for your imput!

 

 

 

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I believe the difference has to do, in part, with absorption rates and individual tolerances (i.e. like magnesium - citrate has high absorption but also has side effects including diarrhea, so it may not be a good choice for everyone.).  As you are doing, you may have to rotate to find one that works for you while having the least bothersome side effects.

I have been taking iron in the form of ferrous fumerate for years and have had no problems with it. I take it right before bed as recommended by the pharmacist, though taking it on a full stomach may reduce some of the gastro side effects you are experiencing. I originally took the Palafer brand (not time release) but that brand is somewhat expensive, so I now use the Life Brand variety, which is easier the the budget.  Fumerate is also available in the Euro-Fer brand, which I believe you can get at Costco and Wal-Mart (at least here in Canada). I haven't noticed any side effects with the iron, other than a temporary darkening of the stool (it can range from black, very dark brown, to even dark green, depending what else I have eaten). If you do experience changes in stool colour while taking iron, don't be alarmed.

Keep in mind, it takes a long time to build your iron levels back up.  You should also avoid taking it at the same time as calcium supplements or dairy products, as they can hinder absorption of iron. I take several different supplements and space them out during the day.  Seems to have worked as my levels are now normal. I used to take it daily for many years, now I take iron only a few times per week to maintain.  As I mentioned, I usually take the iron just before bed. 

Last edited by Spooky

I started  seeing a hematologist because my iron levels would always drop very low  even with taking an iron supplement. From reading, it seems that many j pouchers have issues with iron absorption. My hematologist suggested iron infusions since the oral iron wasn't cutting it. They have helped tremendously and I feel better right away. If your ferritin level is very low,  it takes a long time to build that back up orally. Good luck, I hope the oral iron does the trick. Just thought I'd share just in case you still have a problem after taking the oral iron. 

I take ferrous gluconate daily, 28 mg (with 500 mg chewable Vit C to help with absorption) on an empty stomach first thing (an hour before I have bfast).  I don't find any issues taking it and my hematologist said she finds to be easiest kind to take.  I used to take to twice daily, but now just once a day.

I was majorly anemic after a hemorrhage, so the hemotologist had me try an iron infusion, but I was allergic to two types of IV iron. Too bad because that's an easy, fast fix.  Instead I take the oral iron daily, but as MGMT20 called out, it took 2 3/4 YEARS for my ferritin to return to the normal range.  My hemoglobin and hematocrit returned quickly to normal on the oral iron, but that hemorrhage set me up for a long road of red cell recovery (the iron stores especially).

Or eat lots of liver pate

Laura

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