Guest guest Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 In a message dated 9/8/2008 11:04:27 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, bluebeetle_1 writes: The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by Enfamil and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more natural iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be greatly appreciated! I'm suspicious of the Dr. and his nutrition expertise. Saying that, you asked for suggestions. It's usually an absorption issue rather than not enough iron in the diet. Germanium is the amino acid that facilitates the absorption of iron. It's available in supplement form. I would think that you could mix it into applesauce or something like that. Look at foods which inhibit iron absorption. Hope this helps. Laura **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Those vitamin drops are loaded with artificial flavor and color. Blecch! Stick to natural sources of iron, give plenty of vitamin C containing foods along with the iron rich ones, and check into anything that blocks iron absorption. If you're still nursing, you might consider taking a vegan iron supplement like VegLife brand (I take this myself). Word of caution--don't bother asking any mainstream ped or nutritionist about what's best for your family nutrition-wise. They don't know. Marilyn **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 A friend of mine has a son around the same age who is iron deficient, and her response is " I don't understand how he could be, we feed him loads of meat. " So, I think the first thing is not to let anyone tell you that it's because of his veg diet. From what I've read, anemia is just as common among meat-eaters as it is among (non-junk-food) vegans. Aside from trying to pair things with foods that encourage iron absorption, have you looked into what could be inhibiting it? A quick web search turns up lists of foods and nutrients that can inhibit iron absorption, including some forms of calcium -- check out the list at http://www.beyondveg.com/billings-t/comp-anat/comp-anat-7g.shtml Heather nymusicgirl wrote: > > Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. During my son's > last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of us being > vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is " extremely iron > deficient " and needed to start supplementing immediately. I have a > lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh in that > would be awesome. > For starters, I honestly believe that I feed him a very balanced and > well rounded diet. He eats plenty of lentils, tofu, dried fruit, > eggs, cheese, and I mix greens into smoothies for him or buy green > juice with everything already blended together. He loves it! He's > never been a picky eater, so I know that he's not lacking with his > diet, so could the deficiency be due to something else non-diet > related or am I missing something with what I'm feeding him? Since > this all came about I've been reading up on it a bit more and plan to > pair more iron rich foods with Vitamin C rich foods, but that was all > I could find. > The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by Enfamil > and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more natural > iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) > Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be greatly > appreciated! > > ~M > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Hi, I am a vegan mom of a vegan 3 yr old and he also tested very very low iron. Before doing anything, I requested second test. Sure enough, the second test came back just barely below normal but nothing to really worry about. My sisters (1 is vegan, 2 are vegetarian and 1 is a carnivore) and I have always been a little low iron. So before worrying I would request that a second test be done just in case. Good Luck, Christine , " nymusicgirl " <bluebeetle_1 wrote: > > Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. During my son's > last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of us being > vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is " extremely iron > deficient " and needed to start supplementing immediately. I have a > lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh in that > would be awesome. > For starters, > ~M > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Hi M, I wouldn't think he'd have to be tested " because " he's vegetarian - I've been vegetarian for 20 years and am constantly told that my iron levels are high and I can cut back on red meat (which I then remind, I haven't eaten for 20 years). :-) And I've heard you have to be super careful with iron supplements for babies since it constipates so easily. I'd try something else like high iron foods, which will be more easily absorbed anyway - or see a naturopath or homeopath who might be able to suggest a kinder iron supplement plan. Best of luck!!! Lorraine On Behalf Of nymusicgirl Sunday, September 07, 2008 8:43 PM 18 month old w/ iron deficiency Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. During my son's last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of us being vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is " extremely iron deficient " and needed to start supplementing immediately. I have a lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh in that would be awesome. For starters, I honestly believe that I feed him a very balanced and well rounded diet. He eats plenty of lentils, tofu, dried fruit, eggs, cheese, and I mix greens into smoothies for him or buy green juice with everything already blended together. He loves it! He's never been a picky eater, so I know that he's not lacking with his diet, so could the deficiency be due to something else non-diet related or am I missing something with what I'm feeding him? Since this all came about I've been reading up on it a bit more and plan to pair more iron rich foods with Vitamin C rich foods, but that was all I could find. The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by Enfamil and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more natural iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be greatly appreciated! ~M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Using a cast-iron skillet is supposed to help with iron. Lots of yummy spinach, too. Cassie --- On Mon, 9/8/08, Lorraine <ldemi wrote: > Lorraine <ldemi > RE: 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > Monday, September 8, 2008, 8:13 PM > Hi M, > I wouldn't think he'd have to be tested > " because " he's vegetarian - I've > been vegetarian for 20 years and am constantly told that my > iron levels > are high and I can cut back on red meat (which I then > remind, I haven't > eaten for 20 years). :-) And I've heard you have to > be super careful > with iron supplements for babies since it constipates so > easily. I'd > try something else like high iron foods, which will be more > easily > absorbed anyway - or see a naturopath or homeopath who > might be able to > suggest a kinder iron supplement plan. > Best of luck!!! > Lorraine > > > > On > Behalf Of nymusicgirl > Sunday, September 07, 2008 8:43 PM > > 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. > During my son's > last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of > us being > vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is > " extremely iron > deficient " and needed to start supplementing > immediately. I have a > lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh > in that > would be awesome. > For starters, I honestly believe that I feed him a very > balanced and > well rounded diet. He eats plenty of lentils, tofu, dried > fruit, > eggs, cheese, and I mix greens into smoothies for him or > buy green > juice with everything already blended together. He loves > it! He's > never been a picky eater, so I know that he's not > lacking with his > diet, so could the deficiency be due to something else > non-diet > related or am I missing something with what I'm feeding > him? Since > this all came about I've been reading up on it a bit > more and plan to > pair more iron rich foods with Vitamin C rich foods, but > that was all > I could find. > The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by > Enfamil > and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more > natural > iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) > Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be > greatly > appreciated! > > ~M > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 www.vegansociety.com/food/nutrition/iron.php - 19k CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR IRON INFO VEGAN STYLE PB , Cassie Dixon <roxy87cabriolet wrote: > > Using a cast-iron skillet is supposed to help with iron. > Lots of yummy spinach, too. > Cassie > > --- On Mon, 9/8/08, Lorraine <ldemi wrote: > > > Lorraine <ldemi > > RE: 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > > > Monday, September 8, 2008, 8:13 PM > > Hi M, > > I wouldn't think he'd have to be tested > > " because " he's vegetarian - I've > > been vegetarian for 20 years and am constantly told that my > > iron levels > > are high and I can cut back on red meat (which I then > > remind, I haven't > > eaten for 20 years). :-) And I've heard you have to > > be super careful > > with iron supplements for babies since it constipates so > > easily. I'd > > try something else like high iron foods, which will be more > > easily > > absorbed anyway - or see a naturopath or homeopath who > > might be able to > > suggest a kinder iron supplement plan. > > Best of luck!!! > > Lorraine > > > > > > > > On > > Behalf Of nymusicgirl > > Sunday, September 07, 2008 8:43 PM > > > > 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > > > Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. > > During my son's > > last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of > > us being > > vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is > > " extremely iron > > deficient " and needed to start supplementing > > immediately. I have a > > lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh > > in that > > would be awesome. > > For starters, I honestly believe that I feed him a very > > balanced and > > well rounded diet. He eats plenty of lentils, tofu, dried > > fruit, > > eggs, cheese, and I mix greens into smoothies for him or > > buy green > > juice with everything already blended together. He loves > > it! He's > > never been a picky eater, so I know that he's not > > lacking with his > > diet, so could the deficiency be due to something else > > non-diet > > related or am I missing something with what I'm feeding > > him? Since > > this all came about I've been reading up on it a bit > > more and plan to > > pair more iron rich foods with Vitamin C rich foods, but > > that was all > > I could find. > > The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by > > Enfamil > > and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more > > natural > > iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) > > Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be > > greatly > > appreciated! > > > > ~M > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 Thanks for all of the info and suggestions, it helps a lot! I've scheduled him to see a nutritionist who knows about the vegetarian diet, so I'm sure we'll get much better answers there than at the pediatricians office. I really appreciate all of the advice! ~M , " Paula " <paulagb123 wrote: > > www.vegansociety.com/food/nutrition/iron.php - 19k > > CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR IRON INFO VEGAN STYLE PB > , Cassie Dixon <roxy87cabriolet@> > wrote: > > > > Using a cast-iron skillet is supposed to help with iron. > > Lots of yummy spinach, too. > > Cassie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- On Mon, 9/8/08, Lorraine <ldemi@> wrote: > > > > > Lorraine <ldemi@> > > > RE: 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > > > > > Monday, September 8, 2008, 8:13 PM > > > Hi M, > > > I wouldn't think he'd have to be tested > > > " because " he's vegetarian - I've > > > been vegetarian for 20 years and am constantly told that my > > > iron levels > > > are high and I can cut back on red meat (which I then > > > remind, I haven't > > > eaten for 20 years). :-) And I've heard you have to > > > be super careful > > > with iron supplements for babies since it constipates so > > > easily. I'd > > > try something else like high iron foods, which will be more > > > easily > > > absorbed anyway - or see a naturopath or homeopath who > > > might be able to > > > suggest a kinder iron supplement plan. > > > Best of luck!!! > > > Lorraine > > > > > > > > > > > > On > > > Behalf Of nymusicgirl > > > Sunday, September 07, 2008 8:43 PM > > > > > > 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > > > > > Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. > > > During my son's > > > last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of > > > us being > > > vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is > > > " extremely iron > > > deficient " and needed to start supplementing > > > immediately. I have a > > > lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh > > > in that > > > would be awesome. > > > For starters, I honestly believe that I feed him a very > > > balanced and > > > well rounded diet. He eats plenty of lentils, tofu, dried > > > fruit, > > > eggs, cheese, and I mix greens into smoothies for him or > > > buy green > > > juice with everything already blended together. He loves > > > it! He's > > > never been a picky eater, so I know that he's not > > > lacking with his > > > diet, so could the deficiency be due to something else > > > non-diet > > > related or am I missing something with what I'm feeding > > > him? Since > > > this all came about I've been reading up on it a bit > > > more and plan to > > > pair more iron rich foods with Vitamin C rich foods, but > > > that was all > > > I could find. > > > The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by > > > Enfamil > > > and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more > > > natural > > > iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) > > > Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be > > > greatly > > > appreciated! > > > > > > ~M > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 I supplimented my boys because I've struggled with anemia...constipation has never been a problem for any of us, and even on iron suppliments my boys (3 and 1) poop 2-4 times a day. I attribute that to a high fiber plant based diet. If the iron DOES constipate, fruit and flax seed oil (but not too much, our vegan nutritionist said 1/4 teaspoon daily for my 20lb child was the max!) will probably take care of it. And we cook in cast iron, and spinch is our FAVORITE food, but my ferritins still drop so low that I pass out and lose weight within months of not supplimenting. I defintely agree to go natural first, but I never could make anything but suppliments work for ME personally. and heads up, a lot of nutritionists suck...so if you don't like what you're hearing, look for a nutritionist that actually IS VEGAN. It made all the difference for us. , " nymusicgirl " <bluebeetle_1 wrote: > > Thanks for all of the info and suggestions, it helps a lot! I've > scheduled him to see a nutritionist who knows about the vegetarian > diet, so I'm sure we'll get much better answers there than at the > pediatricians office. I really appreciate all of the advice! > > ~M > > > , " Paula " <paulagb123@> wrote: > > > > www.vegansociety.com/food/nutrition/iron.php - 19k > > > > CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR IRON INFO VEGAN STYLE PB > > , Cassie Dixon <roxy87cabriolet@> > > wrote: > > > > > > Using a cast-iron skillet is supposed to help with iron. > > > Lots of yummy spinach, too. > > > Cassie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- On Mon, 9/8/08, Lorraine <ldemi@> wrote: > > > > > > > Lorraine <ldemi@> > > > > RE: 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > > > > > > > Monday, September 8, 2008, 8:13 PM > > > > Hi M, > > > > I wouldn't think he'd have to be tested > > > > " because " he's vegetarian - I've > > > > been vegetarian for 20 years and am constantly told that my > > > > iron levels > > > > are high and I can cut back on red meat (which I then > > > > remind, I haven't > > > > eaten for 20 years). :-) And I've heard you have to > > > > be super careful > > > > with iron supplements for babies since it constipates so > > > > easily. I'd > > > > try something else like high iron foods, which will be more > > > > easily > > > > absorbed anyway - or see a naturopath or homeopath who > > > > might be able to > > > > suggest a kinder iron supplement plan. > > > > Best of luck!!! > > > > Lorraine > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On > > > > Behalf Of nymusicgirl > > > > Sunday, September 07, 2008 8:43 PM > > > > > > > > 18 month old w/ iron deficiency > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, I'm really in need of some advice here. > > > > During my son's > > > > last well-baby visit the doctor tested his iron because of > > > > us being > > > > vegetarian. The results came back showing that he is > > > > " extremely iron > > > > deficient " and needed to start supplementing > > > > immediately. I have a > > > > lot of issues going on with this, and if anyone can weigh > > > > in that > > > > would be awesome. > > > > For starters, I honestly believe that I feed him a very > > > > balanced and > > > > well rounded diet. He eats plenty of lentils, tofu, dried > > > > fruit, > > > > eggs, cheese, and I mix greens into smoothies for him or > > > > buy green > > > > juice with everything already blended together. He loves > > > > it! He's > > > > never been a picky eater, so I know that he's not > > > > lacking with his > > > > diet, so could the deficiency be due to something else > > > > non-diet > > > > related or am I missing something with what I'm feeding > > > > him? Since > > > > this all came about I've been reading up on it a bit > > > > more and plan to > > > > pair more iron rich foods with Vitamin C rich foods, but > > > > that was all > > > > I could find. > > > > The doctor recommended Fer-In-Sol, which is manufactured by > > > > Enfamil > > > > and has some preservatives in it. Has anyone tried a more > > > > natural > > > > iron supplement? (I don't even know if one exists) > > > > Has anyone dealt with this before? Any input would be > > > > greatly > > > > appreciated! > > > > > > > > ~M > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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