Question:
Iron supplements and constipation?
Hi friends I am taking an iron supplement (ferrous fumarate liquid) as my labs for iron are constantly low. I have horrible constipation and hard stools that really hurt and make me cry and bleed when I have to go to the bathroom. Is this from the iron? I eat mostly a high protein low carb diet but do eat a bowl of high fibre bran cereal each morning and have starting taking colace, a stool softener, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I have tried to eat prunes but dumped on them. I can't stop taking the iron either, and don't know what to do. Also, does iron make your stools green or black? Any suggestions on what I can do to help this painful and uncomfortable situation? Hugs, Kim S. Open RNY Nov.4/02 (-163 lbs.) — Kim S. (posted on February 7, 2004)
February 7, 2004
I had SEVERE constipation, it would plug up the toilet:( Nothing helped:(:(
Then I accidently stumbled onto a solution... I bought some Atkins
brownies. They are chocolatey and yummy, caant tell them from regular
brownies, NOT low not calorie so they arent idea for the fast loss phase.
It might be the 1/3 cup oil or fibre. I think its the oil. Incidently my
skin was totally dried out and cracking.
— bob-haller
February 7, 2004
The brownuiesfixed my skin too. Atkins brownies are availabkle at GNC,
vitamin world and super wall mart where they are cheaper at just over $4 a
package that makes a 9 by 9 tray. YUMMY!
— bob-haller
February 7, 2004
Kim.. Use Benefiber you can find it just about anywhere grocery store or
like Sav ons.. It really helps and is easy to drink. you can mix it with
any drink and isnt thick . and it has no taste.. try it and let us know. if
it works..
— Deborah N.
February 7, 2004
I had major constipation just like you. I started using Benefiber like the
last poster. Even though I was taking 3 servings of it a day I also used a
laxative 2 times to "clean myself out" till the Benefiber had
time to work. Now I use it about 5 times a week. My nutritionist even OKd
it. :) Good luck, I know how bad it can be and would not wish it on
anyone.
— TheresaC
February 7, 2004
Hi Kim, I haven't had surgery yet so I don't know the "rules" on
taking pills but if you can take pills I am on an iron supplement also. It
is called Chromagen Forte. It works way better than any over the counter
iron supplement. It is a presription and is easier and better absorbed into
your system. It causes very minimal if any constipation. I always had
problems with constipation and nausea before I started taking these. They
are a geltab. But like I said I don't know if you can take pills or not.
Check with your doc. As far as green or black stool, definitely iron will
cause that.
Take care and good luck.
Linda
— Linda C.
February 7, 2004
I am 7 months post op and have only taken 2 childrens chewables fortified
with iron every day and my iron is higher now than it was preop. My Doc
keeps trying to force feed me more iron but I just can't do it and I am
doing great as is so I am sticking with my childrens chewables.
— Sarah S.
February 7, 2004
Easy answer first. Yes, iron does make your stool dark green/black. It's
nothing to worry about. As for the constipation, I take mega doses of
ferrous fumarate (400 mg daily of which 120 mg is elemental) due to a
serious issue with anemia last fall. I found once my body adjusted to it, I
no longer had issues with constipation. However, I find that my calcium
citrate DOES constipate me, and if I don't get in lots of fluids, I have to
take a stool softener. Once trick I learned on here was microwave popcorn
as a laxative. I find that within hours of eating it, I'm cleaning out my
bowels. I don't eat it often, due to the carb count, but it really does the
trick.
— Cyndie K.
February 7, 2004
Not all irons constipate. Some constipate everyone, some work for this
person, not for that. And not all irons change stool color. You might want
to switch types (never ferrous SULFATE) and see if you get better
absorption (less problem) with another type. Carbonyl is my preference for
very gentle, but the per pill dose is low. Only 25mg per pill, but oh so
gentle, so you can take more of them. I know how miserable iron-poop can
be. I was anemic most of my life and the fe sulfate shredded my innards.
Once RNY, I was amazed that I could take an iron with no dire consequences.
I am NOT anemic for the first time in years now. And I'm a distal, distal.
Go figure.
— vitalady
February 7, 2004
Ooo, yes, I feel your pain. I have had good luck with chelated iron. It
seems to be very gentle. I'm going for my first round of post-op blood
tests, so we'll see if I have enough! I do have issues with constipation
and I have really tied it to my cycles. During part of the month, it is
just terrible. I sip on metamucil, and that useually helps. As a matter
of daily course, I do take a coalce - but it only helps soften things - not
move them along. I have tried popcorn (with fat on it), and that sometimes
helps, but this isn't the best food choice. Daily I try to at least eat
one serving of fruit. I even tolerate citrus well, and that' really fibery
and wet. Strawberries are also good, but I can't eat too many without
getting sick. When things are really bad, I take milk of magnesia, and
that always works, and gently by the next day. I try not to do this too
much. Pre-op I used different senna teas, but have been scared to try
now.
HUGS - I hope that this gets better for you and that you don't suffer too
much.
— w8free
February 7, 2004
One thing to consider, it may not be the iron that is giving you trouble
but something else entirely. Although iron does cause constipation.
I began having trouble with constipation last year and it turned out I had
a rectocele. A rectocele is when the tissue that separates the bowel from
the vaginal area weakens and the bowel herniates into the vaginal area
during a bowel movement. I had noticed a vaginal prolapse as well during
that time. Rectoceles are caused by pregnancy and childbirth, particularly
if you've had big babies and mine were all over eight pounds. Being heavy
causes rectoceles to develop as well.
I had to have surgery to correct this problem. I bled quite a bit during
the surgery and became anemic. I had to be on iron and yes, it did cause
some constipation, but taking one colace twice, not once, per day and
drinking plenty of water helped.
If you are heavy, a rectocele is a real possibility and one that should be
looked into. Your OB/GYN can diagnose this and can do the surgery.
Hope I've helped.
Lynda D. (trying to get ins. approval for surgery)
— Lynda D.
February 8, 2004
I also am doing well taking 2 Flintstones Completes a day. The Chromagen
Forte constipated me to the point of nausea. I would try the Flintstones
and see how your bloodwork comes out, or at least ask your Dr. if you can
try it for a few months. I am not sure if I am getting away with it because
I am post menopausal and don't bleed every month, or whether the chewables
do the trick. Good luck!
— Fixnmyself
February 9, 2004
I don't know if this will relate to your problem or not. I suffered with
constipation so bad I saw a specialist. The day of my appointment I ate
some fruit. It worked. Turned out the iron didn't cause my constipation,
the Tums I was chewing for calcium was causing the problem. I can't
tolerate milk products and I guess that was the first sign. I now taking
an oral calcium supplement and make sure to eat fruit once a day. If you
are chewing Tums this maybe your problem also.
— june22
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