Anemia

[Nancy5445]

I am anemic.  For 12 weeks I had vitamin infusions with added iron.  I have been careful to eat leafy greens, nuts, berries, etc..  When bloodwork was done at the end of 12 weeks there was no change in my level of iron.  Apparently my body is not holding the iron.  I am looking for suggestions on what could be next.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Are there other symptoms present? You may need to have a second opinion from another doctor or be referred to a hematologist or specialist for further evaluation. Discuss the contents of the vitamin infusion and the level of iron in it to see if the iron is enough to help increase the iron levels. Additional tests may need to be done. Take care and do keep us posted.

[10295]

My friend was getting infusions as well.  she started taking OTC iron supplement from GNC, it think it is called gentle absorb iron.  if you ask representive they will be able to tell you.  it does not cause constipation and othe sypmtoms people experience with iron supplements which makes them noncompliant.  go to GNC and try it you may not have to have as many infusions.  she  was getting them every month and has not had to go for several months now related to taking OTC GNC supplement.  it comes in 2 different strengths, ck it out!

[Weesy68]

Did the vitamin infusions contain Iron with Vitamin C?  Iron does not absorb very well without Vitamin C.  You didn't mention red meats which contain high iron content.  It's very difficult to increase your iron if you are a vegetarian.  There is a prescription iron pill called multigen which I find works much better than over the counter products.  It's also a better medication for sensitive stomachs. Multigen contains iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin B12.  My ferritin levels improved quite a bit on this medication.   I actually take my iron separate from all of my other medications because the iron absorption can be affected by other medications and vice-versa.  I don't know what your vitamin infusions contained but maybe you should focus on iron, vitamin C and B12 together and take the other vitamins at least two hours before or after you take the iron.  I would avoid taking any medication other than those three within a two hour period so they won't interact with the iron absorption.