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Robbeee OP t1_j93n620 wrote

Reply to comment by SGBotsford in If a human being is bleeding internally say in their mouth or stomach would they still have a risk of anemia? by Robbeee

Interesting. Thanks! Is there a reason why iron from iron tablets would be more readily absorbed or is it that only a certain percentage of any orally consumed iron is?

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mumtathil t1_j93vgo4 wrote

Iron absorption from tablets is actually quite poor. High dose iron supplementation just tends to cause more side effects (constipation, abdominal discomfort) without a significant improvement in iron levels and subsequent rise in haemoglobin levels.
Vitamin C helps improve absorption and the tannins in tea makes it worse. Generally taking Fe supplements with food is better than on an empty stomach.
Often with profound Fe deficiency giving the iron as an IV infusion is more effective at gaining a boost in Hb levels.

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FngrLiknMcChikn t1_j9549d7 wrote

Me, a hospital pharmacist who spends his days checking Venofer bags (iron sucrose for laypeople): Meh, probably right

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Celegantly t1_j95ur8e wrote

Absorption is actually better 30 minutes to 2 hours before food, not with food. If patients cannot tolerate the GI side effects they can take it with minimal food. But especially not with caffeine, milk, high calcium foods, or anything high in fiber.

You absolutely want to take the pills with orange juice, something high in vitamin c.

And although absorption percentage is low, the high dose of the pills means I absolutely see positive effects in terms of correcting anemias that outweigh the side effects.

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Bax_Cadarn t1_j95fmwc wrote

And that is why we can't differenciate between taking Tardyferon and a GI bleed - the stool is black in euther case, and the tests for blood in stoll post a positive.

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bounddreamer t1_j93o989 wrote

Only a certain percentage can be absorbed daily. Iron tablets are to help out if your diet isn't particularly full of iron-rich foods or your body has a hard time deriving the iron from what you're eating.

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