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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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MCV Level 78.6, Weakness. Intake Of Iron Rich Foods Advised. Can I Take Iron Supplements?

Dear Doctor
I'm a 25 year old female. In my recent blood test my MCV levels were 78.6 which is slightly lower than the normal range. My Hgb was normal 13.3. For past 2 weeks I'm feel very weak and tired. My doctor asked me to take Iron rich foods. I'm a vegetarian. So I was thinking if I should take Iron supplements? Can you recommend me the dosage and good Iron supplement?

Thanks.
Wed, 8 May 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
I am assume the reason your doctor didnt prescribe iron supplements is because it leads to upset stomachs or constipation in some patients.
Adults will usually require a dose of 60-200 mg of elemental iron daily, depending on the severity of the anemia.
For adults who are not pregnant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) generally recommends taking 50-60 mg of oral elemental iron (the approximate amount of elemental iron in one 325 mg tablet of ferrous sulfate) twice daily for three months for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
You can also increase your iron intake by taking multivitamin pills, if iron pills arent working out for you.
Whatever the case make sure you do tell your doctor that you are taking iron supplements and get another blood test in around a month to see how your blood has improved.
I hope this helped.
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MCV Level 78.6, Weakness. Intake Of Iron Rich Foods Advised. Can I Take Iron Supplements?

Hi, I am assume the reason your doctor didnt prescribe iron supplements is because it leads to upset stomachs or constipation in some patients. Adults will usually require a dose of 60-200 mg of elemental iron daily, depending on the severity of the anemia. For adults who are not pregnant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) generally recommends taking 50-60 mg of oral elemental iron (the approximate amount of elemental iron in one 325 mg tablet of ferrous sulfate) twice daily for three months for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. You can also increase your iron intake by taking multivitamin pills, if iron pills arent working out for you. Whatever the case make sure you do tell your doctor that you are taking iron supplements and get another blood test in around a month to see how your blood has improved. I hope this helped.