Iron deficient anemia

My mother has been diagnosed with iron deficient anemia.Apparently,she does not absorb iron well.She was told by her doctor to take ferrous sulfate 325 mg.twice daily.When she takes even half of the daily dose she does not feel well.If she stops taking the iron she feels well again.Are there any other alternatives?

[spade22]

Hi,

the two ways I can think of to increase your mothers uptake of iron is to
a)eat more iron-rich foods   or
b)try another form of iron supplement.  According to this website there are several alternatives to  ferrous sulfate
which can be given in different forms

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202305.html


Does she take her current pill with a meal or shortly after a meal?  This may help her with the stomach upset.  

[AMA17]

Hi -- I too, have pretty severe anemia and have had it for years (found out it was because I have celiac disease)... Anyway, I find that the SlowFE works best. I'm also on 325 MG right now - but I eased into it -- one pill a day to start, then two, then three - and always with meals.... I found that other brands are really awful on the stomach, and this one seems to help. Vitamin C also helps to absorb the iron, and make sure she's eating lots of green veggies, and red meat...

Good luck!