multivitamins and iron

[Woody1985]

What are your thoughts and knowledge on these?

I'm doing a lot of fitness work just now but don't get a lot of iron in my diet which means I get out of breath a little easier than I should.

I've read that there's not any evidence to suggest that vitamins work but what about iron supplements?

I know doctors can prescribe iron to those that need it but is that different from the stuff you find in The vitamins sections?

Is ferous sulphate the stuff the doctor provides? Sorry if that's spelt incorrect!

[Westie1875]

What are your thoughts and knowledge on these?

I'm doing a lot of fitness work just now but don't get a lot of iron in my diet which means I get out of breath a little easier than I should.

I've read that there's not any evidence to suggest that vitamins work but what about iron supplements?

I know doctors can prescribe iron to those that need it but is that different from the stuff you find in The vitamins sections?

Is ferous sulphate the stuff the doctor provides? Sorry if that's spelt incorrect!

Yes, it is prescriped for iron deficiancy anemia.

Have you ever had your haemoglobin level checked with a blood test?

Nothing wrong with taking vitamin supplements but I wouldn't recommend take iron supplements unless you know your haemoglobin levels are on the low side and you need them, they can have some not very nice side effects.

The best thing to do is eat more iron rich foods such as meat, fish, beans, lentils etc.

[Woody1985]

Yes, it is prescriped for iron deficiancy anemia.

Have you ever had your haemoglobin level checked with a blood test?

Nothing wrong with taking vitamin supplements but I wouldn't recommend take iron supplements unless you know your haemoglobin levels are on the low side and you need them, they can have some not very nice side effects.

The best thing to do is eat more iron rich foods such as meat, fish, beans, lentils etc.

I've never had that checked, is it something I can ask the doc about and they'll just do it?

I find that I'm generally quite tired even if I get a decent sleep and am a bit pasty but that's probably down to office working!

I've read about the types of foods etc that I'd need (thanks to Danderhall for that sports nutrition book!) but I don't get them as part of a regular diet.

It's probably not a factor but my mum takes the ferous sulphate as prescribed.

I assume the taking the normal iron supplements you get in the vitamins section is a lot less concentrated than the sulphate.

Has it been proved that the regular iron supplements help at all?

[Westie1875]

I've never had that checked, is it something I can ask the doc about and they'll just do it?

I find that I'm generally quite tired even if I get a decent sleep and am a bit pasty but that's probably down to office working!

I've read about the types of foods etc that I'd need (thanks to Danderhall for that sports nutrition book!) but I don't get them as part of a regular diet.

It's probably not a factor but my mum takes the ferous sulphate as prescribed.

I assume the taking the normal iron supplements you get in the vitamins section is a lot less concentrated than the sulphate.

Has it been proved that the regular iron supplements help at all?

You can ask your doc and explain why you think it could be an issue but I'm not sure they'll just to the test as the symptoms are pretty generic and can be caused by loads of other things. If you really want to know and don't fancy a trip to the docs you could always go and try to give blood? If they let you after the thumb prick test then you're fine and don't have a problem, if not then they'll do a test there and then and tell you what your levels are. :greengrin

Regular supplements certainly help people who have iron deficiancy anemia but that is a lot more common in women than men. You'd be best speaking to a professional for a more informed opinion though.

You could also change your diet to include more of the iron rich foods, not too hard to add in regular meat/fish (unless you're veggie), iron fortified cereals are also a good source. :cool2:

[Woody1985]

You can ask your doc and explain why you think it could be an issue but I'm not sure they'll just to the test as the symptoms are pretty generic and can be caused by loads of other things. If you really want to know and don't fancy a trip to the docs you could always go and try to give blood? If they let you after the thumb prick test then you're fine and don't have a problem, if not then they'll do a test there and then and tell you what your levels are. :greengrin

Regular supplements certainly help people who have iron deficiancy anemia but that is a lot more common in women than men. You'd be best speaking to a professional for a more informed opinion though.

You could also change your diet to include more of the iron rich foods, not too hard to add in regular meat/fish (unless you're veggie), iron fortified cereals are also a good source. :cool2:

Cheers for the tips.

I bought some multivitamins and iron yesterday so I'll give them a bash. I've been eating a lot more chicken etc for protein after they gym but trying to get the balance right between eating the right stuff and getting enough energy is pretty hard for me as I find that the weight goes on easier than it comes off!

I'm not a veggie but rarely eat red meats and only eat fish every fortnight or so. Any suggestions on the cereal?

[Leicester Fan]

When I climb the stairs my knees and ankles click and crunch. It's not painful but the sound makes my flesh crawl.
Somebody recommended me glucosamine sulphate and I have to say it does make a difference (when I remember to take them)

[Makaveli]

http://www.ehow.com/how_5514825_increase-iron-absorption.html

Some good (and not so accurate) stuff there. IMO the main thing is eating foods rich in vitamin C at the same time as foods rich in iron. Several studies show that this significantly increase the amount of iron actually absorbed.

I know most "super foods" are usually bullsh** but you should really try some Goji Berries. Per gram they have more iron than a steak and more vitamin C than an orange so the perfect mix in your case. I get them at Asda, I think it's £2 for about 5 servings worth. Just don't buy any scam powders or diluted Goji drinks online... go for the actual dried berries.

Sounds like an advert lol, but they work for me. I have them pretty often and my energy levels are so much better. Can't hurt to try mate :agree:

[Coco Bryce]

When I climb the stairs my knees and ankles click and crunch. It's not painful but the sound makes my flesh crawl.
Somebody recommended me glucosamine sulphate and I have to say it does make a difference (when I remember to take them)

Me too :agree:

I have clicky knees too and also takes these, makes a real difference :thumbsup:

[Houchy]

I had a bleed in my stomach due to cancer (not trying to scare you) and I was anaemic due to that but couldn't take iron tablets as they were too harsh on my stomach lining so I asked the doctor what to do instead. She recommended drinking Guinness (seriously) and eating dark chocolate. Wasn't a fan of Guinness before but love it now:agree: and would ather a pint of that over a pint of lager:agree:

The other benefit of Guinness over lager is that there are, surprisingly, less calories in a pint of Guinness:agree:

[Woody1985]

I've started taking the MV&I tablets but have missed a few days here and there but I have felt a little more awake and concentrated at work.

Although since I bought them I've not been able to get to the gym to see how they'd help me with general tiredness/fatigue caused by that.

I'm looking to get back over the weekend so I'll see how it goes next week.

The general consensus seems that the iron aspect of them does appear to work even if the vitamins side has no evidence to support it.

Hope your cancer is long gone mate.

[Ally]

If you eat right then you have no need for any kind of supplements. The whole vitamin 'top up your healthy bacteria' fad going on has no benefit whatsoever.

[Woody1985]

I've already said I don't eat read meats or nuts etc on a regular basis because I choose not to as I don't particularly like it. I agree if you have a balanced diet you're unlikely to need any supplement.

[CropleyWasGod]

If you eat right then you have no need for any kind of supplements. The whole vitamin 'top up your healthy bacteria' fad going on has no benefit whatsoever.

Unfortunately, not everyone can "eat right". Some people have food intolerances that adversely affect their diet. In those cases, supplements are vital.

[lapsedhibee]

If you eat right then you have no need for any kind of supplements.

What kind of diet would prevent osteoporosis among the elderly? ie How much natural free-range chalk exactly should you eat with every meal? :dunno:

[Ally]

What kind of diet would prevent osteoporosis among the elderly? ie How much natural free-range chalk exactly should you eat with every meal? :dunno:

Er milk, yoghurt cheese...

[CropleyWasGod]

Er milk, yoghurt cheese...

And what if you are allergic to dairy products?

[Ally]

Pretty much all leafy green veg, some fish, cereals.

[CropleyWasGod]

Pretty much all leafy green veg, some fish, cereals.

Maybe you're missing the point. No-one is denying that a balanced diet is desirable. However, not everyone has access to one, and not everyone's system can cope with it. That is where supplements are valuable.

[Ally]

I can see that but I think there are a lot of people who take vitamins and supplements when they don't really need them, they've just been conned into thinking they are beneficial.

[lapsedhibee]

Er milk, yoghurt cheese...

Perhaps you think people with osteoporosis haven't been eating these things all their lives.

[lapsedhibee]

I think there are a lot of people who take vitamins and supplements when they don't really need them, they've just been conned into thinking they are beneficial.

Probably true. "Sea salt" is the thing that amuses me, rather than vitamin supplements. Would defo rather err on the side of ingesting too much vitamin C than too little.

[Leicester Fan]

I can see that but I think there are a lot of people who take vitamins and supplements when they don't really need them, they've just been conned into thinking they are beneficial.

If you can tell which foods contain glucosamine sulphate I'm willing to give it a try.

[IWasThere2016]

If you need iron - and you take it the difference is incredible. My wife was low (physically) after our last son was born. A quick blood test, and a script for iron work absolute wonders. It really was an amazing impact in a short time of 48-72 hours IIRC.