how much gentle iron?

[Jukebox55]

what dose should i start on… i have bought iron bisglycinate 20 mg. But have been recommended 320 mcg ferrous sulphate. So very confused at the different levels. How do these figures relate to each other? And do you have to take gentle iron on an empty stomach? The bottle says to take with food. Any advice gratefully received.

[SueJohnson]

First off I think you meant 200 mg not mcg. The normal way to compare is by the elemental iron it contains. 320 mcg ferrous sulphate contains 104 mg of elemental iron. Anything above 85 mg is not well absorbed. 20 mg of iron bisglycinate contains 20 mg of elemental iron, but because it is absorbed better it is equivalent to 40 mg of elemental iron. So you could take 2 tablets. Take it every other day with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach. If you take magnesium or calcium take them at least 2 hours apart since they interferes with the absorption of iron. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron. Also antacids interfere with its absorption. It takes several months for the iron tablets or iron infusion to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months.

[Jukebox55 in reply to SueJohnson]

thank you so much. It isamazing to have such knowledgeable support here. Xx

[Jukebox55 in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi again, Sue. No it is 20mg. It also says take with food so are they just not up to date( like wot we are!)

Gentle iron

[SueJohnson]

Yes they are wrong. Taking it with food will decrease the absorption. And I had the 20 mg correct. You can take 2 tablets.

[Jukebox55]

thanks again.

[TobyTobias1]

Hi, so glad it’s not just me getting confused by doseage of iron. The info on bottles are not clear at all … just confusing. I have just started taking 2 x20mg gentle iron tablets on alternate nights before bed, try to take on empty stomach , but I’m a bit of an evening eater, so take it with the orange juice as suggested on here. This site is a life saver and most definitely helps me stay relatively sane with this debilitating disease.

Hope the iron works for you 🙏

[SueJohnson in reply to TobyTobias1]

You can take the iron in the morning. I used to suggest it be taken at night thinking it was absorbed more then, but another forum member told me I was wrong and when I researched it I realize she was right.

[TobyTobias1 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks for that Sue, would be far more convenient to take in the mornings .

[Jukebox55]

Hi Toby, yes, that is what I am doing, except I am taking the iron and C at 4am… as I always wake up then to nip to the bathroom so I thought this was the most convenient and appropriate time. (Pen and paper by the bed, making sure I write it down that I have taken it!)