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Hello! 🙋🏻♀️
Rather than type them up I've added a photo of the vitamins I take!
I'm struggling with the timings in regard to keeping enough gap between iron and the others.
Would it be ok to alternate days? So, iron several times through the day on Day 1 and other vits on Day 2?
I'm trying to get my Ferritin level up, but trying to take iron supplements a couple of times through the day is proving tricky for me.
Would it be worth taking double the non-iron supplements on Day 2?
Iron is poorly absorbed. Increasing from 25 to 50 might not have increased the amount you actually absorbed. Most of the iron in most iron supplements is not absorbed. So it could simply have resulted in more being available to upset your gastrointestinal system and had little impact on how much you absorbed.
Ferritin (all ways of measuring iron, in fact) does tend to be very slow moving in terms of improvement. If you are getting there, that is good.
Just make sure you do not make the mistake commonly made by doctors, once you reach a good point, don't just stop taking anything! Maybe you could reduce to every other day? But you might need to continue taking something otherwise your levels will most likely simply drop again. And that requires repeated testing.
In time, months or years, you should find a dosing regime that keeps you at a decent level. And item between tests can be extended.
Hidden
take zinc, iron, fish oil, vitamin b complex and magnesium malate altogether in the evening before bed.
Iron needs to be taken 2 hours away from any other supplements because it affects their absorption. It would be better to find another time to take your iron, maybe lunchtime?
And, zinc and magnesium should not be taken together because that affects the absorption of both of them.
Oh yes, I started that list didn't I (forgot that!). I must get into the habit of referring to that, there's not a lot of point on relying on my memory these days 😄
Actually Hidden I have a link to an article which says the following:
If You Take Mineral Supplements
Don’t use calcium, zinc, or magnesium supplements at the same time.
Click through to number 6 here
webmd.com/vitamins-and-supp...
Admittedly, there is a lot of conflicting information out there so it's something to consider then make up one's own mind.
Sorry to be a bother, but can we circle back to my original question? 😂😁
Can I take vitamins and Iron on alternate days?
Should I double up the vitamins on the vitamin day to make up for the missed day?
SeasideSusie greygoose
Well, I have to confess, that is something I do do sometimes. But, whether it is the right thing to do, I really don't know. Another thing I do is to alternate by month, or so, because it really is a problem fitting it all in, I know. Which is why it's important to know what you can take with what for maximum absorption. And, also, I don't think it's a bad thing to have mini breaks from supplements. I can only suggest you try it and see if it works for you. 
I'm sorry your thread was so rudely interrupted. But, hopefully, we're back on track now. xxx
Well, it's good to know that I won't be alone at least! 
I mean, I do have accidental breaks when I forget for a couple of weeks! 🤦🏻♀️
Sorry plant_lady sometimes threads go off track a little
I have an idea that I read somewhere that it might be more effective to take iron on alternate days, can't remember where and didn't save it I'm afraid. If you try that you'll have to let us know if it makes a difference.
As for taking vitamins on the other days as long as you take an appropriate dose I can't see a problem. Looking at your previous post where you posted your levels -
Your Vit D at 131 is good and you were talking about taking a maintenance dose of 2,000iu daily. So there shouldn't be a problem with taking 4,000iu alternate days.
Folate is good and Active B12 is almost at the 100 which I think is good to aim for, so I would probably take the Thorne Basic B alternate days and perhaps the B12 once or twice a week (I can't see the dose of the B12 and I don't recognise the brand.
Maybe give it 4 or 5 months then retest nutrient levels to see how things are going.
Edited to add:
I've found a couple of studies that support the alternate day dosing with iron
thelancet.com/journals/lanh...
haematologica.org/article/v...
Hidden
I have an idea that I read somewhere that it might be more effective to take iron on alternate days, can't remember where and didn't save it I'm afraid.
I wrote a thread on this subject :
Not a problem! I'm grateful you took the time to reply.
B12 is 1000iu. Ok. I'll give it a go and report back in a few months!
Thank you.
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