Iron recommendations needed
I started taking 1 Iron every night before bed, it really made me backed up to the point of being painful. I don't have a deficiency now but did in the past. I had to do Iron Infusions. I just want to make sure things stay in a good range. I was taking the Ferrous Sulfate.
Does anyone have any recommendations on a better iron or something that may help make things bearable? I did take 2 doses of Benefiber a couple of times.
Thanks,
Kelly
Carbonyl iron is preferred over ferrous sulfate. It's easier on the digestive system (most people don't report constipation problems). Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate both offer carbonyl iron supplements. Vitalady also uses carbonyl iron for her Tender Iron products. You should take vitamin C with iron to aid absorption (200 mg of vitamin per 30 mg of elemental iron).

Frank talk about the DS / "All I ever wanted to be was thin, like that Rolling Stones dude ... "
HW/461 LW/251 GW/189 CW/274 (yep, a DS semi-failure - it happens :-( )
i get mine from Facevalues.com
the following is from the Bifera web page and not written by me.
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Bifera is the only over-the-counter (OTC) iron supplement to offer both heme iron (protein-based iron) and non-heme iron (plant-based iron). Unlike other iron supplements, Bifera provides two types of iron in one small, easy-to-swallow pill for maximum absorption with virtually no GI side effects.
For years, the popular prescription prenatal supplement PreferaOB has provided the nutritional community with an oral iron combination that offers both heme and non-heme iron in one small pill with virtually no side effects. Now, for the first time, this innovation in an iron supplement will be available over-the-counter in the same form, without the prenatal folic acid, in an iron supplement known as Bifera. -
Here is how Bifera works compared to other iron supplements:
Maximum iron absorption is only possible when two different forms of iron - heme and non-heme iron are taken together. The illustration above shows how these two types of iron stimulate different mechanisms in the small intestine, enabling maximum absorption and, as a result, restored energy. Unlike any other iron supplement available over the counter, Bifera provides both heme and non-heme iron in a single, small pill.
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Directions: One tablet daily, with or without food, or as directed by a physician. Children under 12 years old should consult with a physician.
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, magnesium glycol, talc, FD&C yellow no. 6 aluminum lake, titanium dioxide, FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lake.
Heme is a natural form of iron derived from animal sources.
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Why should I choose the iron supplement Bifera?
Bifera is the new, innovative dual iron supplement now on the market. Unlike other over-the-counter iron supplement that only include non-heme iron, Bifera includes heme iron and non-heme iron similar to the same types of iron found in a steak and potato. Bifera provides two forms of iron for people who need the energy and nutritional benefits provided by both heme iron and non-heme iron. Bifera is small and easy-to-swallow. Bifera offers the potential for greater iron absorption1 without the unwanted side effects2 of other iron supplements, like nausea and constipation.
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What is Heme Iron Polypeptide (HIP)?
Unlike all other over-the-counter iron supplements that only include non-heme iron, Bifera includes heme iron, the natural carrier of iron found in red meat. Recent studies show the heme iron found in Bifera offers 25 times greater absorption than other iron supplements. Due to its highly-efficient absorption, heme iron is generally free of the side-effects, including stomach irritation and constipation, commonly found with conventional iron supplement products. As a result, the iron supplement Bifera can be taken with or without food and does not need to be taken with Vitamin C.
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Directions: One tablet daily, with or without food, or as directed by a physician. Children under 12 years old should consult with a physician.
WARNING: Accidental overdosage of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
The tender irons from vitalady.com are 60mg capsules and they have the vitamin C already in the capsule. From what I remember (it has been many months since I have bought any) - it is about $35.00 for a bottle of 400, which depending on how many you take can last anywhere from 3-6 months. I find that quite reasonable. It is very easy on your stomach, non-constipating and highly absorbable.