About My Iron Count

What’s the big deal about iron? Adequate iron is important because without it, mom’s blood cannot carry enough oxygen to her baby.  This can be because there are a low number of red blood cells or because each red blood cell is able to carry less oxygen than normal. There are many different types of anemia with different causes. Pregnancy related iron deficiency is a common cause. Symptoms of anemia include feeling tired or faint and getting breathless easily. Treatment usually involves supplemental iron of some kind and treating the underlying cause.

How do I know my iron count is sufficient? A simple finger stick and drop of blood can tell your hemoglobin level.  During pregnancy 13 is a good number.  Near term, 10 is a bit low.  11 is O.K. and 12 is great.

How can I get it back up?  One of the most gentle and absorbable iron supplements is the chlorophyll in Floredix liquid.  It is less expensive.  An even less expensive source of iron is stinging nettle tea! Other options include alfalfa, spirulina and blue-green algae. 

How does chlorophyll work to raise your iron count?  The chemical molecule in plants is very similar to the hemoglobin molecule structure. Their identical make-up makes it easy for the body to absorb it and convert it to human hemoglobin.   When people take chlorophyll, their red blood count goes up.

How much should I take? –  4-6 capsules a day is typical for low hemoglobin. Some people like to take it toward the end of pregnancy as a prevention for hemorrhage. Don’t be surprised by its rather weird effect… it causes bright green stools!  Chlorophyll is available as liquid, in gel caps, or dried tablets.  Liquid is best, but some moms have a hard time with the taste. (some say drinking it in a cup with a lid helps)  Capsules do just as good a job, but may not be absorbed as fast.

Why use Floredix instead of prenatal vitamins? Taking chlorophyll seems to work better than iron pills. It also has the added benefit of actually having a slight laxative effect instead of constipation. 

 What kind of prenatal vitamins with iron are best? Some of our favorites are Nature Sunshine and Twin Lab’s Prenatal vitamins. Taking them with meals helps.  To build healthy blood, enough protein, folic acid and B12 are also needed.  Iron is most easily absorbed when eaten with foods containing protein and vitamin C.  Animal sources are most easily absorbed.  Because iron sulfate is man-made and better absorbed, it is possible to take too much.  Taking too much iron is hard on the liver.

 Nausea and constipation can mean that your body is not absorbing the iron source you are taking.  In woman that are not low, taking extra iron can make them feel sick.

            Taking iron in the morning with orange juice or vitamin C. helps it absorb better.