Iron for anaemia- how to avoid constipation?

[Purple_Badgers]

Hi folks, wondering if anyone could share their experience of taking iron for anaemia, and how best to avoid or deal with the inevitable constipation?

Ironically, my anaemia is not due to heavy bleeding, it’s due to not having enough meat in my diet (trying to improve that) and also the fact that I had part of my bowel removed (due to endo) and can’t absorb nutrients quite as well any more.

I don’t think I can get away without taking an iron supplement, but from previous experience I know that it will completely block up my bowels. Unfortunately, I can’t stomach liquid laxatives. If I can manage to drink them, they make me feel so nauseous and cause so much discomfort as they go through my digestion. Then there’s the need to constantly be near a loo, as the result can be unpredictable…

Any suggestions welcome.

[BusyLizzieP]

I was recommended oral spray iron by a local health shop. I’m on day 3 so can’t advise whether it works or not. But they are usually pretty reliable in that shop and they told me that the spray is absorbed directly rather than being digested, which minimises the digestive issues like constipation and nausea…

[Stomacron]

Try taking magnesium tablets. It is very good for loosening stools. Adapt the dosage to your requirements. Do some research : magnesium for constipation. There are several types of magnesium but to be honest for me it does not matter which one.

[rumpelstichen]

Talk to your doctor, but there are iron supplements that do not interfere with the bowel, for example, Solgar Gentle Iron or Fisiogen (I live in Portugal).

[Purpleindigo]

Hey,

If you have to keep on the oral tablets taking them with fresh orange juice can help the absorption/reduce constipation.

However, if you're in the UK you could request ferrinject. This is an IV form of iron and is directly absorbed, therefore has much less impact on your bowels. Its a really short appointment (30mins, infusion takes 15mins) in hospital once every 3ish weeks.

[Fuchsiafairy]

I took iron bisglycinate daily for years and I never had any constipation. It a format that is very well absorbed and gentle on the stomach. Taking with vitamin C aids the absorption as well.

Magnesium was mentioned above, it is widely recommended for endometriosis sufferers to supplement magnesium at a daily dose of 300mg of Elemental magnesium. It must be elemental not just the total mg of magnesium which will be much higher.

Magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate is probably best or a magnesium blend. I always take Magnesium at Bed time as it helps to soothe and relax your muscles for sleep.

[SeaHorse6]

I also get on well with Solgar iron bisglycinate. Purple_Badgers I hope you find a solution that works for you