Does taking iron on an empty stomach sometimes cause problems?

[springer]

I have been taking iron for 10 days & starting to feel a lot better. However the last 2-3 days my energy levels are going down again, & have some stomach discomfort.

Not sure if they're related, as I wouldn't have thought the iron would have already had some effect

[angel3012]

Hi yes iron can give you an upset stomach after taking for a while especially if you don't really need that level of iron intake. Might be wise to take them less often and see if it settles down. Like alternate days etc.

[springer in reply to angel3012]

Thanks angel, I think because I'm taking it on an empty stomach it's affected the stomach lining. Catch 22 situation I suppose, iron is better absorbed on an empty stomach, which in itself can cause a problem

[Jackie]

Hi Yes iron can cause gut problems. Endo`s prefer Spatone, better and you can buy on a script but dearer than the bog standard. You can buy it from Tesco, cheapest. they are sachets. It also takes iron at least 3months to be well in the blood, so retest after 4 months is important.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[springer in reply to Jackie]

Thanks Jackie, yes Spatone is what I'm using, think I will now take with some food though.

[Jackie in reply to springer]

Hi Some iron, I think including Spatone, is not digested with food, Mine is Ferrous sulphate and because has to be taken with food, in spite of everything in my stomach seriously rotten surprisingly that is OK. Spatone, try away from food but definitely not first thing in the morning.Be sure to have a retest in 4 months and make sure they do the % of absorption, Lab here only do it if requested, it is the most important part of the test!

Best wishes,

Jackie

[springer in reply to Jackie]

Hmm, not sure what to do. I have been taking Spatone on an empty stomach, as I have had ulcerative colitis in the past, I can already tell that it has my stomach lining has been affected.

[Jackie in reply to springer]

Hi I would leave it off for 2 weeks, then start very slowly. If you see an Endo, that is the best person to advice you, failing that your Gastro, you could just e mail either via their secretary, a letter, to the consultant. Your D is probably low too.Was you Ferritin test done as a % too? Here mine has to be specially Pancreatitis, autoimmune not drink.+ lots of other things. Also dyslexia which you can probably see from the spelling!!! You certainly need the iron if tests are low, very important. You should not have to work it out for yourself but not surprised!

Best wishes,

Jackie

[springer in reply to Jackie]

No not had the percentage test done. My last ferritin test was 64.0 (15-300)

[Jackie in reply to springer]

Hi My Endo says that the only test which really matters for Ferritin. I had mine done, but has to be added to the form here, however, NHS lab useless here. Not a problem to have it done. Means so much.

Best wishes,Jackie

[Jackie in reply to springer]

Should have also put, unlikely GP will treat on that, but it would be good to take a little, However, depending on the % ,if having trouble when you try again, personally I would leave it but get advice if you can.

Jackie

[springer in reply to Jackie]

Thanks Jackie, so you obviously had the test done privately.

[Jackie in reply to springer]

No NHS, but had the normal one ,which here does not include % . Endo said needed the to as the . original one a bit low in range take quite a high dose, script of Ferrous sulphate. % had to be added on at the top of form as here not done automatically. Hopeless Lab here NHS, so if they can do it any Lab can. It just needs writing on.. Any gut problems can effect absorption, so an important test.

Jackie

[Hidden]

I don't need iron, so can't speak from personal experience, but on other forums iron (or ferrous) bis-glycinate has been the widely recommended version, for least stomach issues and it is also easier to get to higher levels with it as Spatone is feeble!

[springer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Picton, I agree the Spatone does seem a little on the low side to me,