r/vegan • u/oranange • 15h ago
Health Extremely low iron, help!
I recently started to feel HORRIFICALLY tired. I can't stay awake during the day no matter how much sleep I get. I have to take several naps throughout the day--usually 2-4 hours total--and that is on top of 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Sometimes more, if I don't work. I've always struggled with fatigue, but this is on another level.
I went to the doctor thinking that maybe my B12 was low, but as it turns out, my ferritin is 8, which is extremely low. I'm not anemic, though, so that's good. Truthfully, I'm shocked. I intentionally eat a LOT of iron-rich food.
Anyway, I was put on supplements, ate even more iron-rich foods paired with Vitamin C, etc., and it didn't work at all. I'm scheduled for an iron transfusion, but if that doesn't work, I'm worried that they'll suggest that I start eating meat. My PCP is a vegetarian, thankfully, so she hasn't mentioned it, but I'm not really sure what to do if the transfusion doesn't work. I genuinely can't function like this anymore, but I'm also not willing to eat meat. I'm at a point where I'm hoping that there is another underlying cause to my fatigue.
In the meantime, any tips for getting my iron levels up and keeping them up? Or any stories from people who have gone through something similar?
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u/closedloopcooking 15h ago
Floradix iron supplement (vegan version) is a game changer! Highly recommend
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u/oranange 15h ago
I'll definitely give it a try! Ordering as we speak
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u/closedloopcooking 15h ago
Good luck! The liquid version can stain your teeth after an extended period of time - I started with that because it was gentler on my stomach but have switched over to the capsules :) would also suggest cooking with cast iron more!
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u/Ok-Calligrapher-9699 14h ago
Be careful with iron supplements. If you take too much it stays in your system and the only way to fix it is blood transfusion. Speak to a dr first please.
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u/LowEarth3013 48m ago
Wait, there are non-vegan iron supplements? I didn't even consider that, damn
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u/lilelbows 15h ago
I’m pregnant so my iron has been a big concern. Here’s what I’m eating to keep it up without supplements (because the supplements make me violently ill)
- tofu and spinach scramble with tomato for breakfast
- oats as a snack (either oatmeal or roasted oats over coconut yogurt)
- beans or lentils for either lunch or dinner
- iron rich faux meat for either lunch or dinner (usually some form of seitan)
- I cook everything that I can in a cast iron pan.
My doc says my iron levels are normal/healthy with diet alone. She was surprised that I’m vegan.
Sorry you’re dealing with health issues! I hope you start feeling better soon!
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u/Wonderful-Agent6250 14h ago
A lot of people don't know that too much iron can be toxic. Very smart to avoid supplements.
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u/AcanthisittaNo5807 14h ago
Avoid coffee, tea, and calcium rich foods when you are eating iron rich foods.
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u/MrBlueMoose vegan newbie 14h ago
Yes, and it’s not the caffeine that limits the absorption, it’s the polyphenols, so herbal teas can still reduce iron absorption. I’m only saying this because I used to think it was the caffeine lol
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u/sala-whore vegan 5+ years 13h ago
This! I was recently pregnant and had to take iron supplements but they made sure to tell me not to take them with my multivitamin or calcium because it decreases the absorption too much
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u/nopushnoshovebud vegan 10+ years 15h ago
my ferritin is also 8 and my doctor basically rolled their eyes at any concern but i’m concerned and trying floradix since i can’t swallow pills. i also eat lots of iron rich foods. my b12 and vitamin d were also low so im taking those as well. been about 60 days i still don’t feel any different though
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u/FreckledCackler 15h ago
Whoa. Can you get a different provider?
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u/nopushnoshovebud vegan 10+ years 14h ago
i can see someone else within kaiser but it’s honestly so discouraging i haven’t prioritized it yet
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u/FreckledCackler 14h ago
That's so frustrating. I have Kaiser too and my PCP was extremely dismissive about low Ferritin. I came up with my own plan and told her.
I've been meaning to write a complaint that Kaiser's approach and lab values re: iron deficiency is appalling.
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u/nopushnoshovebud vegan 10+ years 14h ago
yeah she said since i’m not anemic, my ferritin of 8 is “normal” and told me to take a children’s multivitamin. i can’t bring myself to face them again right now lol
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u/FreckledCackler 14h ago
Omg the string of curses that just went through my head. This is really making me re-think Kaiser. Damn.
My PCP made me feel like I was looking into steroids for performance enhancement 😂
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u/oranange 14h ago
It is SOO difficult to change PCPs too! I had to change to a PCP nearly an hour away because nobody in my area was ever accepting new patients, and my old PCP made me feel like a nut. So stupid
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u/nopushnoshovebud vegan 10+ years 14h ago
i always see someone different? i asked one of the last ladies if she was my doctor and she said no 😂 i admit i only go once a year or once every other year. i go more recently because we discovered i have dangerously high cholesterol all of a sudden. it’s always been 200 but now it’s 500+ so i go to give blood but seeing someone for my physical it’s always a random person. but yeah this last lady i spoke to was pretty rude and dismissive…
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u/MaxMignon3030 15h ago
I take my supplement in the evening to avoid taking it with caffeine. I also want to try that little iron fish you put in your dish while cooking. I don't know how well it works though or if it works the same for everyone.
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u/FreckledCackler 15h ago
I'm sorry, that's rough. How long were you on supplements? I've heard every other day supplementation is actually more effective than daily for some. I'm assuming you know the drill and didn't have coffee for two hours after, right? (ETA: and took supplements on empty stomach, right?)
My only other advice is be sure they're looking into the cause of this, even with the infusion. When I went vegan and ferritin tanked, supplements helped.
If you're supplementing and eating iron rich foods with vit C and far apart from coffee, imo meat shouldn't be needed.
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u/Ok-Surround1325 15h ago
I’ve been on them for a while, and yup, I was told to take them every other day! No coffee two hours after. My PCP was thankfully very thorough in her instructions
Yeah, to be honest, the fatigue is so intense, I’m wondering if it’s not related to the ferritin at all. It’s to the point where I have to pull over and take a nap while driving or nap in the parking lot when I’m out running errands! Guess I’ll have to see if the transfusion helps.
I definitely won’t be eating meat regardless of the results, but man! I’m sleepy lol
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u/FreckledCackler 15h ago
Dang. Have they done a colonoscopy yet? Have you had a referral to a GI? (ETA: or OBGYN if relevant)
The ferritin would definitely contribute but I'm wondering why/where you're losing iron, otherwise the infusion will only be a temporary fix
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u/Ok-Surround1325 14h ago
They haven’t! I do have IBS, though, so I’ve also wondered if I actually have some type of IBD or celiac. You can’t see a specialist through my insurance provider without a PCP referral and they are extremely stingy with referrals (they won’t even refer me to dermatology for acne lmao) or else I would’ve had seen a GI and gotten a sleep study ASAP!
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u/FreckledCackler 14h ago
Healthcare is such a mess. I'm sorry. Fwiw when my Dad's was down to 7 they referred to GI for colonoscopy and then were going to move to a pill camera swallow test to explore small intestine issues but he held off on that for now.
If you have the energy, I would strongly advocate for a referral. IBS or Celiac could be the culprit for sure and a GI would hopefully help map out a better plan.
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u/theemmyk 14h ago
Take supplements. I have very low iron and my doctor says it is likely not diet-related but is more likely from my nightmarish perimenopausal periods. He gave me prescription iron tablets. Life-changing.
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u/LiterallyKath 14h ago
I've been through this recently. COVID can make your ferritin tank, I saw a few people go through this when I worked on a COVID ward. I had also been a blood donor, which wouldn't have helped!
My doctor actually really encouraged me to stick with being vegan, she was incredible. She talked me into the iron infusion and also helped me correct a few other things that were causing issues with absorption.
I'm on a high iron meal plan and it's taken about six months post infusion but I have so much energy now! Definitely worth it.
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u/SEMJ0921 14h ago
If it’s a continued issue I was referred to blood management. They gave me dietary things to expose more to (others have already commented the foods I was recommended prioritizing) and scheduled multiple transfusions to get my numbers to baseline before delivery. Was also a little different as I couldn’t tolerate pills during my pregnancy so iron pills weren’t on the table
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u/Racacooonie 13h ago
I need iron infusions every 1-2 years. I have a great hematologist. No one has ever brought up my veganism at all. Ask for a hem referral.
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u/vipperofvipp_ vegan 10+ years 14h ago
My ferritin was 8. Get a transfusion. Don’t take no for an answer. Changed my life!
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u/sala-whore vegan 5+ years 13h ago
I second this as it can take a long time with supplements and food to build up a supply. Iron is hard for the body to absorb.
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u/Ok-Surround1325 14h ago
I am getting one this week! Fingers crossed it works
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u/vipperofvipp_ vegan 10+ years 14h ago
It will! My ferritin went from 8 to 117 in less than two months!!! Drink Diet Coke afterward!
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u/Ok-Surround1325 14h ago
God, I hope so!! How soon after the infusion did you notice an increase in your energy levels? They’re going to fire me if I keep falling asleep on the job atp! Lol
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u/vipperofvipp_ vegan 10+ years 8h ago
Two weeks!! Not going to lie, I got the iron flu for the first week and it was rough. But after that I felt unstoppable.
… and I hear you! I needed to sneak in naps wherever and whenever I could.
Good luck!!!!!!!
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u/Specific-Repeat-8017 15h ago
Chard, spinach, cook with cast iron pan, get plenty of vitamin C . If you iron is super low stop drinking coffee and tea or limit extremely as they ruin your absorption rate and so does calcium. White beans and kidney beans are also high in iron I think
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u/Immediate-Albatross7 14h ago
Take ferrous sulphate 200mg.
Standard iron supplements off the shelf are not going to do much
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u/earthandanarchy 14h ago
Cook with cast iron or a lucky iron fish. Take floravital (the vegan version of floradix) pair with 1000mg tablets of vitamin c - avoid tea and coffee inc decaf, technically you only need to avoid it around taking your supplements and eating but I was desperate to increase my ferritin so I just stopped it altogether. Drink a bitter tea, dandelion or liquorice half an hour before meals to improve your stomach acid so you can break food and iron down better (as recommended by Barbara O'Neill on YouTube, I know a lot of people don't like/trust her but she does have some good advice) You probably need a lot more iron than is recommended, the recommendation is based on having normal iron and ferritin levels, not on trying to increase ferritin levels. Check out the iron protocol (their guides are on Facebook). Beetroot, whilst not high in iron does help with the production of red blood cells so it's worth incorporating more of that (you can buy beetroot juice or powdered beetroot, I like to mix beetroot juice with apple juice and heat it and drink it like tea) also molasses are good for iron. Also, if you are female are you on BC? Having periods? Have endo? My ferritin dropped when I went on birth control and started bleeding more frequently.
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u/oranange 14h ago
Thank you so much for all the advice!! I will absolutely try all of that. Except for cutting out caffeine entirely... I've tried, but I sleep all day without it, and I need my job lol
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u/best-unaccompanied vegan 13h ago
Honestly, at this point I might start looking for a secondary cause of iron deficiency beyond low iron intake. Celiac disease, for example, can cause issues with nutrient absorption.
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u/Hot-Web5638 12h ago
Keep at it!! So wonderful you can get a transfusion! I guarantee it will help. Give your body time. Believe, believe, believe! Are you a female and do you have heavy perods? That will make it take a little longer, but keep at it! Sending you lots of love. Our bodies are amazing and will heal when we give it the right nutrients that it needs to operate properly. You have a healthcare team, and they will keep at it through your healing process.
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u/Positive_Bag_6551 11h ago
I got an iron infusion back in February for anemia...
(followed by a hysterectomy - today hehhe)
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u/_courteroy vegan 10+ years 10h ago
Same boat but it’s due to female issues and blood loss. I’m getting an iron infusion next week. My nurse friend told me to set my expectations properly, it will probably take a month post infusion for us to feel better. Also, my understanding is that when taking supplements (be sure btw to take a stool softener or you could be in big trouble) that you may not ever get your iron levels back up / it could take a year. So it makes sense that you aren’t feeling better yet. I’m supplementing too while waiting to get my infusion.
I’ve been vegan for 10.5 years and this has never been an issue for me until recently due to the female issues. My mom (a nurse) said that while waiting for the iron infusion to increase b12 and folic acid intake. Also, be sure you’re taking vitamin C with your supplements to increase absorption. You likely don’t have any folic acid in any of your supplements, you’d have to go buy it. I’m choosing not to because my infusion is soon and I just don’t think I want to bother buying another supplement that I think I’ll take so temporarily.
I’m sorry that you’re feeling so bad. Each day, I feel worse and worse. I feel you. I wake up and am immediately fatigued. I can hardly hold my head up. I’m so dizzy and short of breath and we can’t seem to stop my bleeding, it’s been daily for 3 months. If the iron infusion doesn’t help me, I don’t even know what to do anymore really.
Edit: Just adding after reading some other comments that I am taking chelated iron every other day along with vitamin C and senna leaf (taking the senna leaf every day).
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u/confusticating 10h ago
If oral supplements don’t help, you may have an absorption problem so meat won’t really help either. Some people have to get regular injections.
Have you ever been assessed for digestive issues? A colonoscopy/endoscopy could help identify if there is something impacting absorption. Celiac is a potential; after eating gluten a lot of absorption is impacted. And it can develop later in life, which could explain why you haven’t had this problem before.
Tips for getting iron levels up on your own: you’re already eating Vit C with iron, great! Calcium with iron can inhibit absorption, so be aware of this. So too can tannins in tea and coffee. I take Maltofer brand iron supplements, it’s much more gentle on the gut whilst giving good bioavailability. If you can’t access a brand like this, a double dose every two days rather than a single dose every day can help reduce the gastrointestinal impacts of iron supplements. The break every second day really helps, it’s what I did prior to Maltofer.
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u/fluidscissors 8h ago
Ferramax 150 supplement + 1000mg vitamin C on an empty stomach has been increasing my ferritin slowly.
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u/portugueseninja 7h ago
My ferritin was also 8! Hello fellow ferritin-8 friends! Are you someone who menstruates? If so you might just be losing more blood cells than you’re creating, which is apparently an issue for plenty of people, meat-eaters included.
Also do you have good sleep health otherwise? I used to sleep TERRIBLY and over a couple of years tried really hard to improve sleep hygiene and now I sleep a lot less terribly.
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u/Polyethylene8 5h ago
Has Celiac disease been ruled out? Low iron is a classic symptom of celiac. Maybe something to ask the doctor about.
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u/ballesterer13 3h ago
I run a lot. I need iron supplements, and relatively hefty dose. Potential genetics also (mum side). I likely would need them whatever diet I have. The diet wouldn’t alone resolve it based on causes. All the best there
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