Hi, newbie here, had blood taken yesterday and my GP has stated that I need iron tablets 3 times a day

[Tracy2911]

When should I take these, do I take them with my thyroid tablet or wait for an hour or two? I also have B12 injections every 3 months...I am really hoping these work as I am getting quite depressed with losing my hair and it getting thinner and thinner by the minute. Has anyone else out there had this problem with their hair? Sorry for all the questions as once, I am just so worried about my hair looking like it does, it looks awful, any help would be appreciated ..thank you

[Moggie]

You MUST keep iron supplements, at least, four hours away from thyroid medication. You will need to take them with a good VitC supplement or the body will be unable to absorb them and you must always take them with food to avoid damage to the lining of the gut.

Low iron levels cause hair loss - your ferritin (iron storage) levels need to be near 80 to help with hair loss.

You might want to have a look at this recent post I did re hair loss and, in particular, some of the very good advise in the answers.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Moggie x

[Moggie]

Forgot to say that if iron supplements are taken anywhere near your thyroid medication it will stop your body from absorbing your thyroid medication and you could end up under medicated.

Moggie x

[Tracy2911]

Hi Moggie, thank you for the reply. I recently had acute pancreatitis necrosis (in August) which has now left me with 60% of my pancreas and a pseudo cyst (which am still under specialist for and had MRCP scan on Monday just gone). Because they have no idea why it happened I have to follow a low fat diet for life and no alcohol, well no alcohol for at least a year (but as I am not bothered about that I will most probably not bother even after the year). So I have followed this low fat diet and been scared of eating just in case I have another attack. I have that sorted mentally in my head now but obviously now I found hair falling out and going very thin on top especially my parting...sorry about this, will get back on to your reply. My level is currently at 10 and I notice you mentioned VitC supplement to also take. What is a good one and can I take this with my iron tablets as well as thyroxin? Thank you once again and sorry to be ranting on. xx

[Moggie in reply to Tracy2911]

Sorry for the delay in replying - I didn't know you have asked me another question.

This is the vitc I took - You only need a little bit on the end of a teaspoon so, although it is quite expensive it will last you for ages. I took this for eight months with my iron and I still have some left so when you look at it like that it isn't too bad price wise.

lambertshealthcare.co.uk/vi...

Just a tip when using this site - if you want to answer someone or ask them another question use the "reply to this" button at the end of their comment and they will get an email to say you have replied to the. It will stop people missing other questions you might want to ask.

Moggie x

[Tracy2911 in reply to Moggie]

Thanks Moggie, for both tips x

[Moggie in reply to Tracy2911]

Your very welcome and I hope the iron starts to improve things for you soon.

Moggie x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You might find this old post of interest regarding iron:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

So long as you keep the levothyroxine at least four hours away from the iron, then not only is it OK to take iron and levothyroxine, it might actually be essential so that everything can start working properly again.

Rod

[Tracy2911 in reply to helvella]

Thank you, I appreciate all the help. x

[Tracy2911 in reply to helvella]

Can I ask what dosage of Vit C you need please? I have to take 210mg of ferrous fumarate 3x a day.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Tracy2911]

I hope someone else answers as I do not know what dose is appropriate!

Simply that some vitamin C does seem to promote absorption.

[Tracy2911 in reply to helvella]

Thank you for replying. I have noticed on another post that you take either 500 or 1000mg with each iron tablet, depends on each individual.

[Tracy2911]

Thank you for your reply it is much appreciated. I now have chewable 500mg vit c tablets which I started to take with each iron tablet yesterday. Hopefully my levels will increase and my hair will stop falling out and thinning.