Low haemaglobin again

[Barbteeth]

Hi ladies

Had bloods taken yesterday and my haemaglobin has dropped again and I feel tired..I know it’s the Ibrance but I’m trying to eat more greens and some meat..taking iron supplements with B12 and folic acid

Any tips from you guys about boosting iron intake?

I don’t really want to have a transfusion if I can avoid it

Barb xx

[Teddielottie]

Hi Barb ! Sorry to hear your haemoglobin / iron levels are down again . Given that you have boosted your iron intake / are taking a supplement , it sounds like absorption of iron could be the issue. Maybe ask the dr ? If so , you can help improve absorption of iron foods by adding vitamin C foods . Eg have a glass of orange juice alongside your food that is rich in iron ( chicken / greens etc ) . I’m vegetarian and my iron rich daily snack is nuts ( especially Brazil and pistachio ) , pumpkin seeds , dried apricots and cranberries , olives and humus . However calcium can inhibit iron absorption so avoid milk / cheese etc with your main iron foods (if your iron levels are low ). Also tea and coffee and fibre rich foods can affect absorption of non - meat Iron , so careful if these are usually consumed at same time . This wouldn’t normally matter if your iron levels were ok ,but worth trying if they are low . x

[Barbteeth in reply to Teddielottie]

Hi

Thanks for that..I’ll try to take calcium/vitD supplement at a different time to the iron..whole things a nightmare

Barb xx

[Teddielottie in reply to Barbteeth]

Yes that’s important for absorption of iron .It’s best to take an iron tablet on an empty stomach eg first thing in morning , with vit c (orange or apple juice ) ,with a very small amount of food if it affects your stomach . But avoid calcium for a couple of hours after iron supplement . A lot to think about but hang in there ! x

[Hidden]

Hi Barb,

I am sorry to hear that your haemoglobin level is low. I saw a dietitian recently and she noticed from my food diary that I eat dried apricots. She said they are a good source of iron, and to keep eating them. So I would recommend eating dried apricots. I usually add them to my morning porridge or eat them as a snack during the day. Speaking of which, I am out! I hope you feel better soon.

Take care,

Sophie x

[Barbteeth in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sophie

Oh I love dried apricots..will get some asap

Barb xc

[Hidden in reply to Barbteeth]

Hi Barb!

You're welcome! I was expecting the dietitian to say "go easy on the dried apricots", so I was pleased when she said to keep eating them.

Sophie x