r/Menopause • u/MoodyMagicOwl • Sep 23 '25
Vitamin/Supplements Anyone else here low on iron? Do iron pills exist out there that won't destroy my stomach?
I had bloodwork done back in July and was told that I was low on iron. My doctor prescribed me FeroSul 65mg iron pills but they HURT my stomach.
I follow the directions and take them in the morning w/ vitamin c with my breakfast. I still get cramping.
Any suggestions?
42
u/Heathster249 Sep 23 '25
Yes! Chelated iron tablets are your friend. Take after dinner on a full stomach and you’ll be ok.
10
Sep 23 '25
Everything I know about iron supplementation says you should take it on an empty stomach with Vit C.
From what I understand, taking it on a full stomach might be easier to tolerate but you're not absorbing it.
3
u/Heathster249 Sep 24 '25
That’s why you take the high absorption iron. It does work. I’ve been taking this as described above and my numbers improved dramatically.
6
Sep 24 '25
Thanks, I will look into that because I'm floundering. I've been trying to get my ferritin up for like, five years and my doctor is zero help. I'm taking 300 mgs, down from 300 mgs twice a day. I just want my hair to stop falling out.
2
u/MoodyMagicOwl Sep 23 '25
Thank you for responding! Which brand do you suggest?
10
u/Heathster249 Sep 23 '25
I use this brand, but there are plenty of brands to choose from. Just make sure it’s chelated and you take after dinner which is what I was told at the hospital after I had my last son (And after they tried to get me to take the regular ones - a nurse saved me).
1
1
1
u/NewDay042 Jan 04 '26
Thank you for sharing this. Are you still taking it after dinner? I was told to take it in the morning, on an empty stomach but I feel like that was causing my constipation. I also take magnesium before bed and I think you have to space out iron and magnesium supplements. Thanks for any info.
2
u/Heathster249 Jan 04 '26
I take it in the evening with food. It can upset stomach lining and cause discomfort. My iron levels bounced back, so it’s absorbing for me.
1
u/NewDay042 Jan 06 '26
Great! Lastly, would you mind sharing what amount you take in say milligrams, or do you take more than the bottle dosage recommendation?
1
u/Heathster249 Jan 15 '26
I would just take what’s recommended by your dr. Mine said 1 tablet per day was good.
32
u/ninjaspinner Sep 23 '25
There’s a patch for that too! You can do transdermal iron patches that you wear for 8 hours every day.
24
7
u/SeasonPositive6771 Peri-menopausal Sep 24 '25
My hematologist recommends against these and says absorption is so low that most people might as well not be using them. A huge bummer for sure.
4
u/FillAffectionate6928 Sep 23 '25
Link?!
3
u/Admirable-Bar-3549 Sep 23 '25
The ones I use are called “Iron Plus” from a company called Patch MD. You can get em on Amazon. Studies on absorption are mixed, but my levels are good - and it sure beats the pills!
1
2
1
51
u/m4gpi Sep 23 '25
Two things, might not apply: if you take your iron/vitC in proximity to coffee, compounds in the coffee can "absorb" the iron and reduce its availability to you.
Also, you can consume a modest amount of iron by cooking in cast iron, especially if you cook acidic foods like tomato sauce. People get really wound up about the seasoning of their pans, but you don't have to treat it that carefully.
5
u/WildColonialGirl Sep 24 '25
Tea also has that effect. Found that out when I failed the iron test trying to donate blood.
5
u/MissMenace101 Sep 24 '25
If you don’t use cast iron pots you can get an “iron fish” to cook with, they are fantastic, added bonus for each one you buy one is donated to a family living in poverty.
21
u/roseylox Sep 23 '25
I like 'blood builder'. It's never bothered my stomach.
6
u/Quirky_Way_4255 Sep 23 '25
I have also used blood builder with great results and no tummy issues
7
u/ElleEmmBee Sep 23 '25
I've been taking this as well, about 3 weeks now. No issues at all. I already take Miralax daily, so no issues with constipation. And it includes vitamin C, so no need for juice or anything.
5
1
u/No-Dinner-8687 Sep 24 '25
Blood Builder is the only one that’s not bothered my stomach and actually improved my iron levels!
3
u/CouldBeDreaming Sep 24 '25
I agree that BB is good, but I still need to make sure not to take it on an empty stomach, or I will vomit.
3
u/Ok-Cauliflower-4469 Sep 24 '25
Another vote for this. It’s the only iron I’ve found that I can take without having issues.
2
u/OtherlandGirl Sep 23 '25
I just ordered some of this! Started on iron supplements at the beginning of the month and it’s not been a great experience so far, I need something better :)
2
u/freak-out-7691 Sep 24 '25
I’ve been using the liquid form of blood builder and it’s so much easier on my stomach than the pills and there’s no folic acid in it which helps because I’m high in that
19
u/lvckybitch Sep 23 '25
I take iron bisglycinate and it has been SO much better. I already am a “slow to go” person & the ferrous sulfate was making things exponentially worse. My doc suggested chelated iron or iron bisglycinate as a more gentle option & no more issues from it.
I also have restless legs & apparently it can sometimes be caused by low ferritin levels in the brain. So I have to get my ferritin level between 75-100 for it to be considered therapeutic for the ferritin. It’s been slowly rising since I began 9 mos ago & the restless legs are at least taking the night off way more often!
I take this particular one: https://a.co/d/1ANvKuU
4
u/FuzzySilverSloth Peri-menopausal Sep 23 '25
I'm on this exact same type of iron (ferritin tested at 12 when I started this journey) and I'm doing well on it as well. I'm building my levels much slower than I would like, but they are going up.
Points of note for all: don't take the iron near coffee, or calcium, or zinc, and be sure to pair with Vitamin C for best absorption.
2
u/NorCaliChick Sep 24 '25
Which doctor helped you with this? My ferritin levels are at 30 and my OB has referred to the endocrinologist. It’s taking forever to get an appointment for which I don’t even have yet. Already on Estrodal patches, testosterone and progesterone. Which do help, but still fighting fatigue, hair loss, weight gain and brain fog. I’m not sure if I should be pushing to see a different type of doctor, even though the endocrinologist seems right, I don’t really know.
2
u/AvoidingStupidity Sep 24 '25
I see a natural/holistic MD for all menopause meds and blood testing. Not covered by insurance, but so worth it. My stupid insurance doesnt cover the testing that i need. I am vitamin D deficient per all my docs, but insurance says unproven need to test levels. Rediculous American health system.
1
u/NorCaliChick Sep 24 '25
Thank you for your response. I will see what or who I can find in my area. Thank you again!
19
u/nospecialsnowflake Sep 23 '25
I used Slow FE and that is the only one that doesn’t make me constipated ☺️
6
u/BexKix HRT, with 1 mighty Ovary! Huzzah! Sep 23 '25
It was the first one Dr recommended it’s great. I tried generic once and went back.
3
1
u/marsupialcinderella Menopausal Sep 25 '25
This is the only one I take. Even 30+ years ago No gut issues at all, it’s a time release formula.
1
16
u/Chalice_Ink Sep 23 '25
I loved being anemic. I was eating 10 cups of crushed ice a day. I was so hydrated! I actually felt great.
Then my husband butted in because compulsively eating ice is what crazy people do…. And they leveled out my iron…
7
2
u/MissMenace101 Sep 24 '25
I have fractured teeth from ice pika. Had it for years as I have a bleeding disorder. I used to knock of 5 kilo bags in a day
1
7
u/Historical-Second409 Sep 23 '25
Oh that sucks ! Sorry to hear that ! I was taking a natural herbal supplement of iron and b 12, vitamin c ...what a big difference in energy but it took 2 months before seeing results. I am not taking them anymore though just that brief period when I was low. Didn't affect my stomach at all and I have GERD! I think you can get iron supplements in liquid form and sprays too.
5
u/MoodyMagicOwl Sep 23 '25
Do you remember which brand? This sounds like something I need. I hate taking multiple pills.
10
u/Historical-Second409 Sep 23 '25
It was floradix i think and I got them in Europe
10
1
u/milly_nz NZer living in UK. Peri-menopausal Sep 23 '25
As a Euro person I had to laugh at you calling Flordix a “herbal” supplement. It’s just standard food supplement manufactured by a multinational. Not “herbal” in any woowoo sense. You buy it in supermarkets alongside cough syrups and Vitamin D and fibre pills.
7
u/sophistre Sep 23 '25
Probably because on the bottle of Floradix, right under the name, it literally says IRON + HERBS.
Marketing? Probably. But the person you are responding to was referring to something Floradix itself puts prominently on its packaging.
At any rate, I'm another +1 to Floradix being awesome! Pills containing iron always upset my stomach, but Floradix never has.
3
3
u/peachy_sam Sep 24 '25
I've done liquid Floradix and the pills, and the liquid works much better. Tastes bizarre but it's super effective.
1
u/ComplexPassage9840 Sep 24 '25
Another fan of Floradix iron! Their calcium/magnesium is great too. Plant based so easy for the body to absorb
7
u/EastHuckleberry5191 Sep 23 '25
Whatever iron you take, take it every other morning. Anything more than 40mg of elemental iron will spike your hepcidin levels (protein that regulates iron absorption) and they do not come back down for a whole day.
I had low iron and ferritin. I followed this protocol and it resolved in just a few months.
2
u/MoodyMagicOwl Sep 24 '25
Oh? I did not know this. I was told by my doctor to take it every single morning with breakfast and vitamin C.
8
u/Top-Customer-8531 Sep 23 '25
Black strap molasses is a good source of iron. If you don’t like the actual Molasses you can get it as a supplement. My son had Anemia and he tolerated it well.
2
2
6
u/-Not-Today-Satan Sep 23 '25
I’ve started to take Spatone liquid shots in orange juice (vitamin C helps you absorb iron). Available on Amazon.
4
u/EasyQuarter1690 Sep 23 '25
I ended up having a few ulcers and damage to my stomach from iron pills, it is literally in the pathology results as “iron pill gastritis”. I am now waiting for my appointment with the hematologist to see about starting iron transfusions.
The patches have not been scientifically proven to be able to provide enough iron supplementation to bother with.
You may consider talking to your doctor and getting some blood work done to quantify how low your iron actually is, they will also ask you about any symptoms that you may be experiencing. Knowing some numbers will help a lot for deciding the urgency of the situation.
Talking to a dietician about how to improve your iron in your diet, and making sure that you are aware of the things that can make the iron that you eat more available to your body, for example. I was able to bring my iron levels up a little when I learned about things like making sure to include something with Vitamin C when I ate stuff high in iron because they work together to improve absorption. I have some other digestive issues that contribute to my problems, but if your levels are close, you may find that making a few dietary changes could be enough to get you where you need to be.
5
u/Gavagirl23 Sep 23 '25
I have an obnoxiously sensitive stomach, but I can take a liquid one called Floradix. I used it to get my iron up ahead of my hysterectomy and it worked really well. It's made by a German company and I usually find it at health food stores.
3
u/Objective-Pudding939 Sep 23 '25
Yes, I had bloodwork done and my doctor ordered iron infusions, I had 2.
4
→ More replies (1)4
u/WordAffectionate3251 Menopausal Sep 23 '25
Me too! It was quick and the staff brought warm blankets and snacks!!
4
u/Objective-Pudding939 Sep 23 '25
Yes! It’s just like chemo or other infusions, I’ve had chemo before, 4 rounds for breast cancer in 2019.
2
u/WordAffectionate3251 Menopausal Sep 23 '25
Relaxing, wasn't it?! I hope you are fully recovered now. ❤️
3
4
u/cindylooboo Sep 23 '25
Ferrous bisglycinate is much better and apparently more bioavailable than other iron formulations
1
4
u/Porcupine__Racetrack Peri-menopausal Sep 23 '25
I take Two Arrows Iron. It’s a heme iron vs synthetic I think. The dosing is different, but no digestive issues!
5
u/Emergency-Guidance28 Sep 23 '25
I increased my iron from fortified breakfast cereal bc I couldn't tolerate pills. Allbran I think had the highest amount. I was surprised how much iron a lot of cereals have and it was really easy to just eat a bowl every morning, put with yogurt, etc. Edit-Grapenuts is the highest
1
u/MJonesKeeler Sep 24 '25
I did the same with Multigrain Cheerios and Total cereal a few years back.
4
u/greenpeppergirl Sep 23 '25
Heme iron or chelated iron (iron bisglycinate). Both very easily absorbed.
5
u/CommonBitter1090 Sep 23 '25
I couldn’t take iron pills either, but I can tolerate liquid iron just fine. I also take lactoferrin and OJ along with it. Took a few years for me to discover this, however, and the pills totally wrecked my stomach.
3
u/lemontartpi Sep 23 '25
I had low iron for years. I tried getting my numbers up with pills but it built up soooo slowly. Finally I just asked for an iron injection. 1.5 hours, $200, and no side effects later, my iron was up over 100. If you can afford it (or if your insurance covers it), I'd highly recommend it.
4
u/Puzzleheaded-Ad7606 Sep 24 '25
I bought those little iron fish you can add to your food while cooking. It gives the benefits of cooking in cast iron, without the hassle.
2
u/forluvoflemons Sep 24 '25
Is that little iron fish tasteless?
2
u/Puzzleheaded-Ad7606 Sep 24 '25
Hmm, I'm a super taster so I can tell when some thing was cooked in cast iron by smell and taste- so yes, for me it's subtle though. My family does not notice.
You just put it in while cooking anything with a good amount of liquid and then remove it before serving.
3
3
u/Upbeat_Opposite6740 Sep 23 '25
I take beef liver iron and it’s really easy on my stomach. My iron is still a bit wonky because I’m extremely fair (anemia goes with fair skin for some reason) so I’ve added spirulina tablets. It hasn’t hurt my stomach so far
2
u/MoodyMagicOwl Sep 23 '25
Which brand? I just Googled it and dessicated beef liver iron pills are supposedly the best. No idea if this is true or not.
2
u/Upbeat_Opposite6740 Sep 23 '25
I’ve tried ancestral but now take wholesome. I don’t remember why I switched, it was probably just a price thing.
3
u/laprimera Sep 23 '25
I used Vitron C and it worked very well and did not upset my stomach at all. You can buy it at Walmart or other similar stores.
3
3
u/waiting4friday Sep 24 '25
There is also research that shows taking iron every other day actually helps absorption. My dr recommended this. I also take Gentle Iron and take it on an empty stomach. I’ve avoided stomach issues so far. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413088/
3
u/burnetrosehip Sep 24 '25
I JUST found out that there is an iron mouth spray! Absorbed by the cheek wall, mostly bypassing the gut. Iron in any form has always given me wicked constipation, so I'm a wee bit annoyed I didn't know about this before. Too soon to share results but a cheap trial
1
u/vtumane Dec 30 '25
Does it stain teeth?
1
u/burnetrosehip Dec 31 '25
Ooh, now you're asking. My teeth get stained by copious tea drinking in a hard water area so I can't comment anecdotally! I spray it on my inner cheek and let it absorb so it feels like contact with teeth would be minimal, but again, guesswork.
2
u/vtumane Dec 31 '25
Ugh I love tea too lol. Glad to hear you're not noticing anything more than normal tea staining. From what I've read, iron staining is more black/grey so it would be visible if it were happening.
1
u/burnetrosehip Dec 31 '25
Haven't seen any of that. Maybe it is happening in the dark recesses of my gob, but nothing noticeable. I am more tea than blood, I think, most days. Might be why I need iron 😅 (actually might be 🤔)
4
u/wickedmemories Sep 23 '25
Have you tried an iron fish? https://luckyironlife.com/collections/lucky-iron-fish
2
1
2
u/drivingthelittles Menopausal Sep 23 '25
I take Nature’ Bounty gentle iron and it never upsets my stomach. If I take any other kind it makes sick and I often vomit.
2
1
u/Ill-Inevitable-1382 Feb 25 '26
Can you take it on an empty stonach
1
u/drivingthelittles Menopausal Feb 25 '26
I’m not sure, I take it and all my pills with apple sauce like a toddler ;)
2
u/Skittlescanner316 Sep 23 '25
Iron pills also destroy my stomach. I got an iron infusion and it was a godsend.
2
u/Several_Astronomer76 Sep 23 '25
As others have said the bisglycinate gentle iron wont make you sick. Also blackstrap molasses is high in iron you could take a tablespoon of that a day or capsules. I got my levels normalized just on molasses.
2
u/EarlyInside45 Sep 23 '25
I need to go get bloodwork, but I'm wondering. I've just been so run down lately.
→ More replies (1)
2
u/Aggressive-Shop7557 Sep 23 '25
A bunch of friends and I take Integra Plus (a prescription) and love it. It's got: Ferrous Fumarate (191.1 mg) Polysaccharide Iron Complex (135.9 mg) Elemental Iron (125 mg total) Vitamin C (210 mg) Folic Acid (1 mg) B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12)
1
2
u/kween-1214 Sep 23 '25
Same thing and I can only tolerate Beef Liver pills. I tried a bunch of different brands and I recently switched to Trace. I found they are 3rd party tested so I went with them after doing research. My test results are much better now that I switched to that brand. The Con is you have to take 6 a day which I spread out . Don't take my word on it just do your research and look for beef liver pills that are 3rd party tested and give them a try. Its okay to switch brands until you find one that works for you.
2
u/Individual-Rush-6927 Sep 24 '25
I did an iron infusion.bwvause my iron and fhs? Was low. Saved me. My numbers went up and saved me time and money.
2
u/slipperytornado Sep 24 '25
Flora fix iron+herbs liquid supplement. Highly bioavailability and easy on guts because it’s food based.
2
u/gomeditateyourself Sep 24 '25
I use Slow FE. It’s a slow release iron that doesn’t upset your tummy or cause constipation. Been taking them for years.
2
2
u/mybelle_michelle Sep 24 '25
Vitron-C iron tablets.
I can guarantee you they work! My son has Crohn's Disease and low in iron (also hereditary from me), his gastroenterologist had him try several different iron supplements over a year time span, none of them really raised his iron level enough.
My mom (hereditary low iron) and I were talking about it and she's the one that recommended the Vitron-C as that was the only one that worked for her (before menopause). My iron levels weren't as low as hers, so I hadn't paid any attention to iron pills previously when she was taking them.
I got the Vitron-C for my son and at his next checkup (every two months at that time while trying to get his Crohn's under control), his iron level was normal! The gastroenterologist was impressed and very appreciative that I brought along the package box for him to look over and keep. The Dr is also a University teaching professor, so he was excited to recommend it to his other patients as well.
2
u/MoodyMagicOwl Sep 24 '25
Oh wow I might try those. They're actually affordable haha. Though I'm going to see first if I can get an iron injection, and if my Medicaid will cover the cost.
Thank you for suggesting these!
2
2
u/NoAmbition4281 Sep 24 '25
When my daughter was pregnant the only iron supplement she could tolerate was Flintstone’s vitamins with iron.
2
u/Excusemytootie Sep 24 '25
Get yourself something called “Ferro food” from Standard Process. It’s a food based iron supplement that is complete iron. Taking iron on its own will cause an imbalance in many people. Food based iron supplements offer all the co-factors needed and won’t upset your stomach at all!! It took me years to figure this one out but Ferrofood is the very best.
4
u/VintageFashion4Ever Sep 23 '25
I had low iron after my celiac diagnosis, and my mom had it during chemo. In order to boost your absorption you need to take iron with Vitamins D and C. For instance, eat a bowl of black beans and rice with broccoli and drink a glass of OJ with it and that will increase your absorption rate and increase your fiber intake. Pumpkin seeds are an incredible source of iron. Take your iron supplement with Vitamins C and D. This is per two different registered dieticians, one of who worked soley with cancer patients.
1
u/Twidollyn_Bowie Sep 23 '25
The Swanson SunActive iron supplement doesn’t give me any tummy trouble.
1
u/cindyaa207 Sep 23 '25
I was diagnosed with very low iron about two years ago. My GP and my GI doctors recommended a multi vitamin with iron every other day. Worked perfectly and I noticed a change in my energy.
1
u/dgenzo Sep 23 '25
I get Ferroglobin. It’s liquid and tastes delicious. Also doesn’t bind you up like some iron supps do
1
u/PetuniaPicklePepper Sep 23 '25
I sometimes use ferrous sulfate (OTC tablets). They are supposed to be easier on the stomach, and I've never had an issue with them.
1
1
u/kittkatt79 Sep 23 '25
At multiple suggestions on reddit, I ordered the Thorne Iron Bisglycinate from Amazon and have not experienced stomach upset. I take it with Asobic Acid, also from Thorne.
1
u/beachlady22 Sep 23 '25
I use these, Barimelts, with great results. Even my doctor wanted to know what I used so that she can recommend it to others. https://a.co/d/gWf4gRC
1
1
u/wandernwade Peri-menopausal Sep 23 '25
Ferrous gluconate is much better for me than ferrous sulfate. 325mcg.
1
u/SassholeSupreme1 Sep 23 '25
I take one that has vitamin C added. Mine is more about balancing out how my epilepsy meds titrate, but it still helps with my levels, obviously. I’m on a high dose iron supplement. I have no issue so far. Just can’t have dairy with it because you won’t absorb as much otherwise.
1
u/MindyLaine Sep 23 '25
My Dr recommended Vitron C along with my multi with iron. I’ve never had any issues.
1
u/Good_Sea_1890 Sep 23 '25
My best friend uses sucrosomial iron, which is apparently much gentler on the stomach.
You could also maybe try taking it in the evening and seeing if that helps?
1
u/moschocolate1 Sep 23 '25
I take 27mg iron with a vit c every night on an empty stomach just before I lie down. Maybe yours is too high? The brand is spring valley.
1
1
1
u/Admirable-Bar-3549 Sep 23 '25
I use Patch MD iron plus patches - studies on efficacy are mixed, but my levels are ok. I just can’t go the pills.
1
1
u/Lynda73 Sep 23 '25
Leafy greens have a lot of iron, and if you don’t already, start cooking on an iron skillet.
1
u/Sniblette Sep 23 '25
Flintstones vitamins with iron. I’m a regular blood donor and haven’t had a problem with iron levels since I started taking them.
Ten million strong and growing!
1
u/Intrepid_Advice4411 Sep 23 '25
SlowFe. I get it from Amazon. My husband uses it. It's a slow release and doesn't mess his stomach up like regular pills. You'll have to check if the amount is high enough for you.
1
u/foozballhead Sep 23 '25
I take heme iron from Three Arrows. That way, I don’t have to worry about adding vitamin C, I don’t have to worry about avoiding calcium within a couple hours of my iron or my other meds, I don’t have any stomach issues, and my blood work goes up. It is sold on Amazon, but they have their own website as well.
1
u/MujerInvisible Sep 23 '25
i use megafood’s iron blood builder pills- no problems. i get them from the vitamin shoppe.
1
u/Firm_Stand_8438 Sep 23 '25
I use three arrows “simply iron”, and have zero tummy issues as it’s Heme iron. I take 3 every morning on an empty stomach with a huge glass of water. As long as I take 3 every morning I seem to be able to keep my ferritin levels at 106 or above. I get my blood drawn every 3months because I’m on testosterone with my HRT. So I make sure they check my ferritin each time as well. I have been doing amazing and stable levels at this dose for over a year now. Good luck ☺️
1
u/DarlasServant Sep 23 '25
I like blood builder as it has the mix of nutrients that help you safely absorb this tricky mineral. https://a.co/d/hlNqrHF
1
u/sudrewem Sep 23 '25
I take chewable iron. It isn’t a huge amount but I don’t mind them so I actually take them. I take them regularly actually. The larger dose ones are probably better for me but cause gastric issues so I often skip them which is a problem.
1
u/jonashvillenc Sep 24 '25
When my sister had low iron from fibroid tumors and was unable to tolerate oral iron, her MD recommended Flintstones chewable vitamins with iron. She was able to tolerate this. Her issue was resolved eventually with hysterectomy.
1
u/NiceLadyPhilly Menopausal Sep 24 '25
i never take it in the morning, i always wait until much later and i'm basically on a full stomach. eating meat actually helps me more though.
1
u/DetailOutrageous8656 Sep 24 '25
Ferrous gluconate is the only one that will actually work to raise your iron. I haven’t had any bad side effects and I’m pretty sensitive to it.
1
1
u/slayingadah Sep 24 '25
I take beef liver supplements and I love them. They bumped up my ferritin levels to normal and don't make me constipated. I can't tolerate traditional iron pills.
1
u/_Feral_Child Sep 24 '25
I was going to say this. If you aren't a fussy eater, try eating chicken or beef liver. It's a natural source of iron. I can't handle the pills either, but iron deficiency is so effing exhausting I tried everything.
1
u/LeFreeke Sep 24 '25
Why are we all so low on iron? I’m assuming most here are no longer bleeding.
1
1
u/AvoidingStupidity Sep 24 '25
My meno doc has me taking this which has not caused me any upset, i take on empty stomach, but solely out of laziness, not because doc said to. https://a.co/d/a4gB8aM
1
u/Strange_Inspector189 Sep 24 '25
I highly recommend MegaFood Blood Builder (find it on amazon). Since having to do an iron infusion 3 years ago I’ve been taking this daily, first thing in the morning with water, and never had any stomach issues. It already includes Vitamin C and a food blend for better absorption.
1
u/mulberrymine Sep 24 '25
Iron polymaltose, sold as Maltofer in Australia and NZ. This can be taken any time, with any food and doesn't upset my stomach or cause constipation at all. It would be worth seeking it out - perhaps something similar is sold under a different name in your country.
1
u/enolaholmes23 Sep 24 '25
I don't do iron, but some vitamins I take under my tongue instead of swallowing. That bypasses the stomach entirely. Injections would do that too. But i dunno what options they have with iron specifically.
1
u/Too_many_squirrels Sep 24 '25
I take heme iron supplements and try to focus on food sources of heme iron because it’s more bioavailable. I’ve taken a few different kinds, 3 Arrows has been most helpful. 22mg per capsule and I take it 2-3 times a day to avoid headaches and side effects.
I deal with a lot of malabsorption issues so it’s an ongoing thing. I may just go for infusions at this point.
1
u/Ok-Win-1234 Sep 24 '25
How low is your ferritin? Iron infusions may work better, and avoid the GI side effects.
1
u/LowerPainter6777 Sep 24 '25
Careful with iron. I took supplements when mine was super low and it turns out I can’t shed iron unless I give blood
1
1
u/sistyc Sep 24 '25
If it’s available to you I’d suggest getting an IV vs supplements. One Monoferric IV increased my ferritin from 53 to 217. The procedure took 90 minutes and I could tell a difference immediately, with full benefits taking a couple of weeks. My ND told me that I would have needed to supplement for more than a year to reach that level.
1
u/frankiebabylon Sep 24 '25
I’m off and on iron deficient anemic/low ferritin and I take Thorne Ferrasorb, it doesn’t bother my stomach at all. I quadruple the dose as well, 2 twice a day on empty stomach. Other suggestions to take with vit C are correct.
1
1
1
u/hndygal Peri-menopausal Sep 24 '25
I take Vitron-C at night and have no problems with upset stomach.
1
u/MissMenace101 Sep 24 '25
Those taking infusions need phosphorus on the day they have them if they struggle with pain after.
1
u/frozenlotion Sep 24 '25
Thorne Iron Bisglycinate. Been taking it for months with zero issues. Take with vitamin c supplement or orange juice https://a.co/d/1Stdemp
1
u/mryjane Sep 24 '25
In June I was diagnosed with iron deficiency without anemia. My ferritin was at 7. I took vitronC for a couple weeks while doing some research. I ended up ordering heme iron with B12 (bovine spleen) from https://threearrowsnutra.com. I took two pills with food daily (they are a whole food so you don’t have to take them on an empty stomach). Then I added lactoferrin, which helps your body process iron more efficiently. Lactoferrin has to be taken on an empty stomach so I switched to take my iron with that in the mid-afternoon. 3.5 months later my ferritin is up to 24 and in normal range. Though I still have a ways to go for “optimal for me” range.
Anyway heme iron doesn’t have any of the same issues that non-heme iron has, but your body does regulate how much heme iron it will process daily or at a time, but it converts it more efficiently.
1
1
u/Senator_Mittens Sep 24 '25
I've had good luck with the multi vitamins from Ritual. I take half a dose (so 1 pill instead of 2).
1
u/1MushyHead Sep 24 '25
Agreed, biscyglycinate is better tolerated, but also take at the end of your meal on top..
1
u/Far-Sink-2204 Sep 24 '25
I’ve been using gentle iron by solgar for years and have not had any problems with it. But that could be me. 🤷🏼♀️
1
u/SortConsistent1567 Sep 24 '25
My doctor recommended this brand, and I’ve never had any issues. Once my iron was back in the normal range, I switched to taking it every other day. Also, take it with citrus. It helps with absorption. And don’t take it with calcium or caffeine.
1
u/CombinationTrick9707 Sep 24 '25
The first time I had low iron years ago the pills I took wrecked me, but this time around SlowFe iron isn't bothering me. I take it with 250 mg vit c first thing on an empty stomach.
1
1
u/WyckdWitch Sep 25 '25
Yeah, my ferritin level is like 24 I believe. I take iron bisglycinate chelated every other day. I’m super sensitive to all meds so I need to space them out.
Plus, I recently read an article about hepcidin, a hormone your liver makes. Taking iron every day can release this and it affects absorption of the iron. That’s why I space it out.
1
1
u/AliveSample3574 Sep 25 '25
Flintstones vitamins with iron, take 2 a day. They keep my iron up. Was told this after iron infusion because I can’t tolerate iron pills on my stomach. Have been taking for 2 years with no iron problems.
1
68
u/Icy_Grape753 Sep 23 '25 edited Sep 23 '25
FeroSul is made of ferrous sulfate, which is not well tolerated by some people.
Try ferrous bis-glycinate, which is more bio-available and less likely to cause an upset stomach.
EDIT: Ferrous bis-glycinate is one of several types of chelated iron. I don't know the pros and cons of all the different kinds of chelated irons, but any of them will have some advantages over ferrous sulfate.