Iron, Zinc, Vit C, omega 3, I - Caps?

[MrsMinnie]

Hi Guys,
I have to take Iron tablets because I used to be anaemic and even though I'm not now, my iron levels are always low. The last time I saw my doctor I had very itchy outer thighs and my arms were pealing constantly, so he took some bloods and found that my iron levels were low again, which wasn't a surprise.
I eat a lot of red meat - naturally but I always have liver in the fridge which is a good source for iron, as well as spinach. So he suggested I take Iron tablets again. Since then, my skin is perfect and I don't itch anymore. However, iron tablets I use are prescribed here in the UK and are called "Ferrous Sulphate", they are white and sugar coated. It's that sugar word that worries me. I usually take 2 a day, but I'm scared this might make me stall. I stopped taking them about 4 days ago.

- I also take "Seven Seas, One a day Pure Cod Liver Oil" with omega- 3, vit- A, D + E. Is this ok? It says is has modified maize starch.
- I also take Zinc, it doesn't say anything about carbs or sugar.
-I also take Chewable Vit C, it has sweteners- sorbitol and aspartame, it also has flavourings - maltodextrin, dextrin, acacia (1st 2 sound like sugar).
The brand I use for zinc and vit c is Tesco's own.
- I also take ICaps, with lutein and zeaxathin, vit a, e, c, b2, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese. But they also have starch and polydextrose (among other things).

Like I said I stopped taking these 4 days ago but I'm unsure if I should take them, they do have small amounts of sugar etc but doesn't it all add up at some point?

[biogeek]

Re: Iron, Zinc, Vit C, omega 3, I - Caps?

Hello Mrs Minnie,

I am not aware of what medications are available in the UK, but in the US, you can get ferrous sulfate in many forms including those without a sugar coating. Just ask your physican for a sugar-free form. They *should* have it as those that are diabetic would need to take that form.

You will get differing opinions on whether or not it matters whether the sugar/starch amounts in vitamins matters. Here's my thought on it...

First of all, these things are mostly fillers and to make the supplement taste better. This is especially important on any chewable kind. As far as the amount of sugar that each tablet contains, manufacturers normally don't list this specifically, but if you look at the ingredients list, those are listed from most prevalent to least prevalent. Often times, you will find that the sugar forms and starch are in higher amounts than a lot of the individual vitamins and minerals that you're hoping will help your body. Not a pleasant thought.

Some folks may say that the amounts in supplements are so small that it doesn't matter. To this I disagree, especially if you are new to Atkins and must stay within your 20g of net carbs. Sometimes those that are near goal or at goal for a long time have forgotten how difficult it was to hunt down all those hidden carbs during induction and the first few rungs of OWL. Logically, it makes sense to not consume supplements without sugar & starch, but use your own judgment.

As far as your other supplements, you can find other varieties that do not contain any sugar of any form, starch, salt, wheat, etc. You MUST be your own advocate and read the labels completely. If you can't find any in your area, you can check with on-line vendors and see if they will ship to the UK.

If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Best regards.