Hello Everyone,
I got a message from my doctor yesterday saying that my Ferritin level was a 13 and I should probably start to take iron 325mg a day. They are testing for Sjogrens so far everything else has come back OK.

Wondering if anyone else is taking iron. Should I take B12 along with it. I was reading the b12 thread and it looks like I should. If so how much. Anything else I should take along with it?

The only vitamins I take now are Life Force body balance and osteocare.
I am also wondering if anyone has tried either of these. It was recommended by a homeopath but is expensive.

Little background on meds so you know what I take.
Cymbalta 60mg
Synthroid 1mcg
Tramadol 50mg after work each day
Ambien for sleep

I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
Thanks,
Hopeful

One OTC iron prep is SlowFe with Folic acid. This one does not upset the stomach as much as some others. One of these a day is equiv to traditional ferrous sulfate treatment. SlowFe also comes without the folic acid added.

Ferritin is the storage form of iron. Did your doctor say you have anemia too? Low ferritin may or may not accompany anemia.

Hi mrs. D,
She did say that she looked over my past labs and I have always been slightly anemic.
I have been on iron before but a long time ago. Usually after having my kids.
I know I have been so tired lately so I am willling to try the iron. Does SlowFe constipate? Should I take B12 with it.

I had a B12 lab done in 2008. It was one of the first things I ask for. It was 429. They said that was fine. What do you think. I don't take supplements other than the one I mentioned before.
Life Force's Body Balance and Osteocare.

Thanks a lot for the help.
Hopeful

The SlowFe is the most easily tolerated form of iron. Take it with Vit C too to enhance absorption.

I'd do the B12 also, since you have PN. Getting the B12 numbers really up, may help. Sticking around at borderline levels, may not be enough for you.

This one is also recommended by some doctors: Niferex

http://www.medicinenet.com/polysacch...al/article.htm

both of these types are much easier to tolerate than the old ferrous sulfate forms.

Sorry not good at supplement use. one more question what is a good amount of Vit C and B12 to start with? I have been reading the sticky but I'm still not sure
Thanks!
hopeful
hopeful

If you are not diabetic, then 250mg to 500mg a day of Vit C is okay. Take it with the iron. Iron is absorbed with acid. If your stomach acid is low, the Vit C will take its place to help the iron get into your bloodstream.

Since you are borderline, with B12, 1000mcg a day of methyl form should be enough for you. Take on an empty stomach.