What's Iron Deficiency Anemia?

How much iron should I take for my iron deficiency anemia?

• I have malabsorbtion due to Crohn's and lots of low levels including iron, hematocrit and hemoglobin. My anemia symptoms are getting worse, I can't get a straight answer from my doc about how much iron I should be taking (or other supplements for that matter.) My symptoms are much worse since this blood work was done but here's my numbers: Iron, SRM - 20 (normal range 40-155) Hemoglobin - 10.3 g/dL (normal 13-18) Hematocrit - 33% (normal 38-50) If you need any more numbers from this list let me know and I'll add them. Thanks in advance for all serious answers. (Screw you in advance for all rude, spam and prank answers.)

• Answer:

  325 mg FeSO4 three times a day for 12 weeks then recheck the iron level (a full lab panel). Iron Supplements can be difficult on certain peoples stomachs as well. You should take them with meals. Anemia is either from the "gut" no absorbing the iron or from the blood you lose with bowel movements from the Crohn's. It will take AT LEAST 3 months to see the effect of supplements in the lab work, however you may start to FEEL better (less tired, fatigued, pale, etc) in a few weeks. Crohn's Disease is tricky to manage, but it CAN be managed. Hope you start to feel better soon. And if you cannot get a "straight" answer from your provider, you might want to find another. It is important to have a good trusting relationship with any provider for any illness, especially one that is a long-term issue like Crohn's. (And I am a Nurse Practitioner, so my knowledge is first hand, not from just reading it of the web ;-) )