Maltofer

[Whippetmama]

Hi -- just curious if anyone is using Maltofer to raise their ferritin? It's chief benefit is that it has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than the ferrous iron salts.

Thanks.

[SueJohnson]

I haven't used it but am aware of it. It has 100 mg of elemental iron so you are getting the maximum amount. Also it is expensive.

What is your ferritin? I assume you have had it tested since you are taking iron tablets

If you take blood thinners, iron binds with blood thinners, potentially reducing the effectiveness.of the blood thinners and of the iron so check with your doctor. You make know this but take your iron with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Take it every other day, preferably at night at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee or tea and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee or tea since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach and the tannins in coffee and tea limit absorption. If you take magnesium, calcium or zinc, even in a multivitamin take them at least 2 hours apart since they interfere with the absorption of iron. Also antacids interfere with its absorption so should be taken at least 4 hours before the iron or at least 2 hours after. Don't take your iron tablets before or after exercise since inflammation peaks after a workout. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron or at least take it in the morning if you take your iron at night. If you take thyroid medicine don't take it within 4 hours. It takes several months for the iron tablets to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months.

[Whippetmama in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks, Sue. I was just curious. I ran across a reference to it in something I read.