LymeNet Flash: anemic-how much iron supp. to take?

This is topic anemic-how much iron supp. to take? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/100318

Posted by missing (Member # 22437) on :

Hi
What is the highest amount of Iron supplement can I take?

Yesterday I took 1800 mg, and I feel much better today. I am able to sleep, nap , and the pain is much , much better too!

I tried this the other day, and had the same results.

It also feels like my body has finally stopped "running a marathon!" Do you know that type of feeling? I have it constantly, that horrible exhaustion, not sleepiness, just
overwhelming exhaustion.

Thanks!

[Big Grin]

Posted by trigal2 (Member # 20578) on :

Hum..You should really check with your MD or LLMD because taking too much iron can be very bad for you.

My understanding is you can get iron overload in certain organs of your body which is why people who are not anemic should not take iron supplement replacement.

I do not know what the replacement dosage is for someone who is anemic but I believe the RDA is 18.5 mg.s for pre-menopausal women. If you are anemic you will need more then that but 1800mg seems like alot..but still you should check with your doctor on this one. TG

Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :

http://www.anemia.org/professionals/feature-articles/content.php?contentid=306§ionid=15

"For adults who are not pregnant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 50-60 mg of oral elemental iron twice daily for three months for the therapeutic treatment of iron deficiency anemia.2 However, physicians evaluate each case separately, and prescribe according to the individual needs of the patient."

You need to look at the amount of ELEMENTAL iron in the pill. A 325 mg pill may be 35-108mg of elemental iron.

So, if you took 1800mg, was it like 6 pills of 325 mg? Or 1800mg elemental iron?

What tyoe of iron is it?

I take iron bis-glycinate (ferrochel). It is very gentle and has from 18-28mg/pill depending on brand.

I just found out I am anemic and started on 4 of the 28mg pills/day, which puts me right in the middle of the recommended dosage for anemia.

Be careful and feel better. I am exhaused too.

(also, iron bisglycinate is the only iron supp that is GRAS 9generally regarded as safe). It does not have the toxicity issues associated with the other preparations.)

Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :

Also, are you a menstruating female? One needs to be certain that there is not unexplained hidden bleeding from more serious conditions.

Have you had labs? Ferritin tested?

Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :

if you take iron do you also need to take Iodoral/iodide?

Posted by missing (Member # 22437) on :

Okay,

Here is what the pkg. says:

Iron from 187 mg Ferrous Sulfate Dried......60mg

Equivalent to 300 mg Ferrous Sulfate Heptalhydrate

I have had labs done every month. They seemed concerned that I was anemic. I have been anemic my whole life,I think.

I get very light periods.

I heard that Babesia can make you anemic, which is what I am being treated for now.

Does our body even absorb much of this type of iron, in the pill form?

Yes, I know it can be dangerous, that was why I was asking. I should have asked first. oops

Thanks for your help.

[kiss]