Hepcidin

[Bloodhound669]

You told me that taking Iron in the A.M. and then in the P.M. would be useless as Hepcidin would block the second dose. (?) Then how do these time-release iron supplements, like SLO-FE work?

[Munroist]

There have been a some managed trials looking at the best way for iron to be absorbed and most suggest that supplementing once every 24 hours is the most frequent and the alternating days can be better. There is a link below if you are interested.

Having had a quick look at SLO-FE it seems that it is intended to release its dose of ferrous sulphate slowly to avoid the stomach problems that some people experience with that particular compound although another option is to take ferrous bisglycinate which is also easier on the stomach. The SLO FE dosage instructions still say take daily which is consistent with the above advice. Possibly the lower rate of iron delivery reduces the body's hepcidin response but I'm just speculating and I couldn't find anything specific concerning SLO FE and hepcidin.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Joolsg]

The knowledge about hepcidin blocking iron absorption is relatively recent. In the UK, doctors have only received the recommendation to start single dosing in the last 14/15 months. So the older iron formulations will soon be phased out.To avoid stomach issues, switch to ferrous bisglycinate OR try to get an iron infusion.

[SueJohnson]

My notes say: Don't take the slow release form of iron as it bypasses the area where it is absorbed per Howard LeWine, M.D. an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School - such as Slow Fe .

May take longer to show noticeable results. Can still have gastrointestinal discomfort.