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How To Improve Iron Level In Body?
Question: I am a 49 year old woman. Just had my physical with blood work and all is well excpet the doctor tole me my iron was a little low and wanted me to get a iron supplement. I'm a little nervous about taking these. Can you recommend a good one? Also, what is the daily requirement?
Brief Answer:
15-20mg/day is daily requirement.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
After going through your reports and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. If it little low, rather than go for iron supplement, I would advise you to improve it through your diet. You can try ragi or whole grains, brussel sprouts, raisins, lentils, peaches, oysters, liver, nuts, beans, pulses, dark chocolate and tofu etc. If you add some of these, this should improve your iron within 15 days.
2. The daily requirement is on an average 15-20 mg and most of the above contains atleast two to three times, the required daily requirement.
3. Additionally take Vitamin C rich diet like citrus fruits, which will help in absorption of more iron.
4. If you want to take supplement, take one which contains both iron and vitamin C. Rules of website do not allow you to recommend anything specifically.
5. If you take iron capsules/tablets, you might get a dark colored stool. It is normal and not to worry.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
15-20mg/day is daily requirement.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
After going through your reports and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. If it little low, rather than go for iron supplement, I would advise you to improve it through your diet. You can try ragi or whole grains, brussel sprouts, raisins, lentils, peaches, oysters, liver, nuts, beans, pulses, dark chocolate and tofu etc. If you add some of these, this should improve your iron within 15 days.
2. The daily requirement is on an average 15-20 mg and most of the above contains atleast two to three times, the required daily requirement.
3. Additionally take Vitamin C rich diet like citrus fruits, which will help in absorption of more iron.
4. If you want to take supplement, take one which contains both iron and vitamin C. Rules of website do not allow you to recommend anything specifically.
5. If you take iron capsules/tablets, you might get a dark colored stool. It is normal and not to worry.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Dr. Jyothi:
Thank you for your quick response. My iron number was 19. The doctor said it should be between 10 and 300. So I guess mine was pretty low. She prescibed Ferralet 90 (which is 90 mg per day). I'm a bit concerned with the side effects but I guess I need it. 19 is pretty low is guess. What do you think? Also, I take vitamin B-12 and vitamin D supplements. Any problem with these together?
Thank you for your quick response. My iron number was 19. The doctor said it should be between 10 and 300. So I guess mine was pretty low. She prescibed Ferralet 90 (which is 90 mg per day). I'm a bit concerned with the side effects but I guess I need it. 19 is pretty low is guess. What do you think? Also, I take vitamin B-12 and vitamin D supplements. Any problem with these together?
Brief Answer:
its not iron deficiency
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
19 is on the lower side. It is not iron deficiency. Below 10 is iron deficiency. You can take iron supplements, but the dosage can be reduced.
Also verify if your medication is FDA approved as it contains many supplements together.
You can take vit b12 and D. No problems
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
its not iron deficiency
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
19 is on the lower side. It is not iron deficiency. Below 10 is iron deficiency. You can take iron supplements, but the dosage can be reduced.
Also verify if your medication is FDA approved as it contains many supplements together.
You can take vit b12 and D. No problems
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you for quick response. I do appreciate your help!
Brief Answer:
Thanks
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are welcome.
If you do not have any further query, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Thanks
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are welcome.
If you do not have any further query, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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