Anemia + iron supplements = constipation/hemorroid

BGANNAWAY - 2012-04-18 7:23 PM I'll give you an educated answer before the thread potentially deteriorates. I see iron deficiency not that infrequently in endurance athletes. Not sure if it is their dietary restrictions or poor absorption. Of course, in premenopausal women there is other reasons. Oral iron replacement does unfortunately causes alot of GI issues. You may try OTC Stool softeners (Active Ing: Docusate Sodium), or oral Magnesium (MagOx 400mg twice daily)-Also high in broccoli, bananas, greens. Generally increasing fiber/Water in diet will help also. Some people just can't take the oral replacement. There are intravenous/intramuscular forms of iron you can take but they're more expensive and you may have to see a specialist to receive them. As an aside, My PSA: If you are male, iron deficiency would be unusual so finding it requires further tests to explore the source. If, as I noted about, are a premenopausal woman, heavy menstrual cycles could cause this and you may want to visit your Gyn. If, lastly, you are male/female, over age 50...Go get a Colonoscopy at least. Good Luck, Doc

Thanks Doc! Now I know why I have such wicked GI issues. I am a gastric bypass patient and I am required to take oral iron daily. You solved the mystery

I was recently diagnosed with severe anemia as well.  I'm 2 months out from the diagnosis and the most recent blood test I had finally has me close to normal again.  I will say that I feel like a million bucks again and my running pace has improved over 1:00 per mile.  Anemia is NO JOKE in terms of how much it wears you out and screws up your training plan.  I wondered for over a year what my problem was....one blood test and all my questions were answered.  I just blamed it on IM training!

I use Slow FE (can buy at Target, Walgreens, etc) and it works well for me.  The slow absorption lessens the impact on me from a GI perspective.  I take it twice a day.  Once before bed with OJ (helps with absorption) and in the AM with Quaker high fiber oatmeal.  I've had no problems and really attribute that to the oatmeal. 

I was also told (no personal experience though) that BiFera works well and often doesn't cause the same GI issues.

I also second the reply above - definitely look into what is causing the issue.  Taking supplements won't help in the long run if you have an undiagnosed GI bleed or something like that.

Good luck!

You're right about it not being a joke.  It has seriously slowed me down.  Thanks for the responses and suggestions.  I will definitely try them.  If anyone else has some ideas, I'd love to hear what has worked for you.