Iron deficient

[sybil]

I am starting day 5 of induction today. As mentioned in the Atkins' book, I got my blood work done before starting the diet. The blood test results show that I am iron deficient and my GP has prescribed an iron supplement. The book states that I should not take any iron supplements during the induction. When can I start taking the iron supplements?

[*Emma*]

Re: Iron deficient

It doesnt say you can't, it says you dont need to because we get enough iron from our foods.
I would suggest getting your bloodwork re-done after youve been on atkins for about a month, see if youre still low, i would guess you wouldnt be.

Did you not really eat much red meats before atkins? are you still intending not to eat much?

If my doc gave me an iron supplement i would take it. its up to you.

[sybil]

Re: Iron deficient

No, I was not eating much of red meat. But I think I will wait for a month and get the tests again.


Thanks

[Grant]

Re: Iron deficient

Just out of interest I decided to look up foods that contain higher then normal amount of iron. Many of these aren't Atkins freindly, especially induction, but if someone just plain doesn't like red meat there are plenty of other sources. Here is what I found:

Foods That Contain Iron Food Serving Size (mg) Bran flakes cereal

1 cup 24.0 Product 19 cereal

1 cup 24.0 Clams, steamed

3 oz 23.8 Total cereal

1 cup 18.0 Life cereal

1 cup 12.2 Raisin bran cereal

1 cup 9.3 Beef liver, braised

3 oz 5.8 Kix cereal

1 cup 5.4 Cheerios cereal

1 cup 3.6 Prune juice

1 cup 3.0 Potato, baked with skin

1 med 2.8 Sirloin steak, cooked

3 oz 2.8 Shrimp, cooked

3 oz 2.6 Navy beans, cooked

1/2 cup 2.3 Figs, dried

5 2.1 Lean ground beef, broiled

3 oz 2.1 Swiss chard, cooked

1/2 cup 2.0 Rice krispies cereal

1 cup 1.8 Kidney beans

1/2 cup 1.6 Oatmeal, cooked

1/2 cup 1.6 Spinach, raw

1 cup 1.5 Tuna, canned in water

3 oz 1.3 Green peas, cooked

1/2 cup 1.2 Halibut, cooked

3 oz 0.9 Whole-wheat bread

1 slice 0.9 Apricot halves, dried

5 0.8 Raisins

1/4 cup 0.8 Broccoli, cooked

1/2 cup 0.6 Egg, boiled

1 large 0.6

This material does not cover all information and is not intended as a subsitute for professional care. Please consult with your physician on any matters regarding your health.

[not2late]

Re: Iron deficient

I think you should follow your physician's advise.

[attek]

Re: Iron deficient

I agree with Megs. Too much iron won't slow your weight loss down (though it could cause some bowel slowdown). Too little iron will make you feel tired. I have monitored my diet with Fitday for the past several months and even on days when I ate several helpings of red meat, I have never gotten my full recommended amount of iron. I have taken a supplement daily for months.

[sybil]

Re: Iron deficient

Thanks everyone!