Low iron?

[jennyj]

Hi Everyone! As I understand it, we're not supposed to take a vitamin with iron since we should be getting enough in our diet. But...plugging my numbers into FitDay and checking my nutrition report, it shows that I am deficient in iron, magnesium and vitamin K. My percentages for the day are 62/7/31. Any ideas? Thanks!

[adreliluc]

Re: Low iron?

I've wondered this too, my fitday always says I'm low in those same things along w/ vitamin D...
*waiting for the experts to chime in...*

[boonie stomper]

Re: Low iron?

The typical person on Atkins will get more than enough iron through the diet, mainly due to large amounts of meat being consumed. Also, if too much is consumed, most people's digestive systems are quite efficient at preventing over-absorption of iron. Those who do absorb too much are at risk of problems, however, thus the instruction from Dr A not to take iron supplements.

If, however, you're
a. not eating much meat, especially red, and/or
b. prone to bleeding on a regular basis, and/or
c. not absorbing iron eaten for some reason,
you could need more iron, and a supplement could help in lieu of correcting the cause of the deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia causes less oxygen transport, resulting in obvious symptoms such as excessive fatigue or weakness, feeling out of breath with normal exertion. It can also be diagnosed by a simple 5 min. blood check, (plus the costs of the Dr visit & test & possibly a "Rx" for iron).

Perhaps you should examine your diet more closely - try to include better / more natural sources of the nutrients you need.

You can also try out another nutritional analysis without registering at http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/checkitout.aspx or go to
http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/ for full feature choices.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Low iron?

yep if you are low discuss it with your doc. As Boonie said their is a very simple blood test to tell and you can always take your multi with iron then I had to.

many females do not absorb iron well in the intestines too so even when eating enough they can be deficient.

[cmcole]

Re: Low iron?

Red meat is the key (liver is good).
If you're getting your protein from other sources, that may be the problem.

My latest trip to the blood bank - (it was that TOM, unfortunately) - my iron was too low - and I had been eating liver and things, but it was probably the other situation that caused the problem. Anyway, now I have to wait another 56 days to give again - should have waited one more week, and I wouldn't have that problem.

[mirna05]

Re: Low iron?

The vitanutrients book says that if you have your meals with coffe or tea, the absortion of iron is low. Also it recommends to eat more read meat or get a natural iron suplement (heme), never a not natural sumplement. Just in case your analysys show low iron in your blood.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Low iron?

high amounts of vitamin C help the body absorb IRON so make sure you are having some vit C with your Iron foods

[jennyj]

Re: Low iron?

Thanks for all of the info everyone! You guys are such a great help!! I just went to the store and bought some Magnesium, but held off on the iron until I talk to my doctor tomorrow. Luckily, I already have a blood test pending, so I'll just ask her to check my iron while she's at it!

~Jen~

[Mothercooter]

Re: Low iron?

Oh wow I missed that, my vitamin has iron added. Should I stop that? my fitday also says Im iron deficient even though i eat red meat often.

[Lyssie]

Re: Low iron?

did you put the multi-vitamin into Fitday?