Whats the deal on Iron?

[Alien Monkey]

I know it's a known fact to not have to take multi's without iron but does is cause any harm if you are taking a multi with iron? Im getting ready to get back on the diet but I just recently bought a multi at GNC that I really really like and of course it has 100% iron recommended for the day. I realize we get most of what we need from the diet alone but im just curious if taking a multi w/iron is dangerous or something?

[JillyB1967]

Re: Whats the deal on Iron?

Yes, I'd like to know why we're not supposed to take iron supplements. I was told several years ago that I was slightly anaemic and had to take an iron supplement (the doctor suggested a multivitamin with iron would be sufficient) and I've taken them ever since, until now.

I haven't taken them since I started Atkins on Tuesday, but I am starting to worry about it. My iron intake (according to fitday) is at 58% RDA, so I need to take something.

Can anyone help with this?

[biogeek]

Re: Whats the deal on Iron?

If you're taking a good multivitamin with iron, it will not cause you harm, especially if it doesn't go over the RDA values for it. Dr. Atkins states in his books that most people do NOT need iron supplementation and high levels of iron is toxic. For most Atkinteers, the use of a multivitamin with iron is not needed....why have the side-effects of iron supplementation if you don't have to have it? There's also the issue of good iron vs. bad iron (heme), I touch upon this subject in a different thread:

Here's a thread I wrote awhile back about iron supplementation:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43213

You may also find Atkins' book, Vita-Nutrient Solution, to be helpful.


If you feel you are anemic, go to your physician and get a serum ferritin test to see how much iron is stored within your body (i.e. whether or not you are iron deficient rather than just anemic). Then you and your physician can determine if iron supplementation is right for you.

Atkins says that if you wish to absorb more iron from foods, than taking Vitamin C and A (or consuming foods with these vitamins) will help the body absorb more heme iron from your food (i.e. the good kind of iron!).

Hope this helps!