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.
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!