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Is Orange Juice Advisable With An Iron Supplement?
My husband has had his pancreas, spleen and gall bladder removed due to a neoplasm in his pancreas. His iron level is at 86, he has been taking iron supplement for 10 days now with very little result. Is it because of the absorption problems with the iron? When should I give him the iron with orange, mandarin that would achieve a better result. He had a transfusion during the 11hour surgery. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Chris
Mon, 13 Jul 2015
Hi Dear,
Understanding your concern.
The iron supplement should be taken very carefully . There are certain things that need to be take care . Iron supplements best absorbed when stomach is empty but some times empty stomach they cause stomach cramps .
And usually doctors advice to take iron supplements with orange juice or vitamin C , because orange juice ( at least 300 grams )or vitamin C in it will increase the absorption of iron supplement and gives maximum benefit .
So i would suggest you to :-
- Take very little food with iron supplement so that neither it will hinder its absorption or let it cause stomach cramps .
- You should not take certain food for at least for 2 hours after taking iron supplement . These food are high fiber foods such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran , foods or drinks with caffeine . Also milk and high calcium food should not be taken for 2 hours .
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
Understanding your concern.
The iron supplement should be taken very carefully . There are certain things that need to be take care . Iron supplements best absorbed when stomach is empty but some times empty stomach they cause stomach cramps .
And usually doctors advice to take iron supplements with orange juice or vitamin C , because orange juice ( at least 300 grams )or vitamin C in it will increase the absorption of iron supplement and gives maximum benefit .
So i would suggest you to :-
- Take very little food with iron supplement so that neither it will hinder its absorption or let it cause stomach cramps .
- You should not take certain food for at least for 2 hours after taking iron supplement . These food are high fiber foods such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran , foods or drinks with caffeine . Also milk and high calcium food should not be taken for 2 hours .
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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