[Jon]

Iron supplements for anemia?

by Jon on Wed Oct 05, 2011 6:36 pm

Does anyone have an opinion about the use of iron supplements to combat anemia? If so, what kind of supplements do you recommend?

Or, for that matter, any other treatments that will increase a low hgb count?

[Pamela Lussier]

Re: Iron supplements for anemia?

by Pamela Lussier on Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:13 pm

I have kidney failure also. I get Epogen shots as needed and intravenous iron when my iron stores are low.

Pam

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Iron supplements for anemia?

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:58 am

Dear Jon,

If your iron stores are low, then iron supplements would be a good thing to do. If the iron stores are normal, I would not take them. In general, iron supplements can cause constipation and some degree of stomach upset. There is no one supplement that is better than another. Iron sulfate is the cheapest. In general, to maximize absorption, they should not be taken with food or antacids. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) seems to help with absorption.

As far as other therapies for anemia, it largely depends on the underlying cause. Erythropoietin (Procrit, Aranesp) is sometimes used to treat symptomatic, myeloma-related anemia. However, given the safety concerns that have been raised, at least when the goal of therapy is to return hemoglobin levels to normal or near normal, the hemoglobin level needs to be carefully monitored.. The enthusiasm for this approach has diminished.

Hope this helps. Take care!

Pete V.

[Jon]

Re: Iron supplements for anemia?

by Jon on Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:54 pm

Hi Pete,

Thanks for your reply. Since I received three transfusions, the iron content in my blood was slightly high. I guess you accumulate iron from transfusions. Happily, though, with the passage of time in my recovery, my hgb is now 11.0 and rising, so all is well.

Thanks again,
Jon

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Iron supplements for anemia?

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:32 am

Yes, there is a lot of iron in a blood transfusion, so your iron stores should be replete. I am glad to hear that your red cell numbers continue to improve. Keep up the great work!

Pete V.