Iron Deficiency

[gobbles23]

Hey,

I was just recently diagnosed with low iron. My levels came back at 20 when the range is 30-160.

I’ve been noticing I’m gassed a lot faster these days and my muscles burn like crazy after just a few reps but I push through anyway and always have. For some reason I just thought that was normal. I guess they’ve been low for a while and I just got used to it. Haven’t had my iron checked in years.

Anyway, I’m trying to get them back up, but I’m really struggling every day just to function. I used to take caffeine a lot during the day to keep me going but it blocks iron absorption so not an option anymore.

I’m wondering about the gym. Should I be forcing the lifting? How much iron do you lose with 1.5 hours of lifting/cardio? Is it going to slow down the rate in which my iron goes up?

I couldn’t find any studies or recommendations about lifting weights with low iron, they’re always about marathon runners or bikers. Does anyone have any insight?

[PhDPepper1111]

Absolutely continue lifting unless your doc tells you no. If you are doing iron supplements and working on your diet, no reason you shouldn't be able to continue working out and building strength.

[Eternalstuden79]

1- find a reason for the low level, hopefully you did is dealing with it.
2- supplements are important, make sure you take them with vitamin c. Aids absorption, helps keep the gut happy.
3- train to your feeling of effort, you may want longer rests between sets but there's no reason not to push it that I can think of.

Hope it improves for you.

[ManwittaPlan]

if you're going to use supplemental iron pleas be very careful

i would NOT use elemental iron, your best bet are desiccated liver pills since they contain heme iron. look at their reviews online.

my favorite that i've been using for years are Beverly International which come in a 500 tablet jar. I'd wait for a special on this site, you can get them as low as 33-35 dollars each when they have them discounted.

[Faithbuilders]

You can get iron from food as well. My favorite source is liver, or liver sausage. (not everyone likes that tho) Peas and beets are also very good in iron. Broccoli is good also, but it can give bad gas.

[DonCarloVizzini]

Start taking more iron, more than usual.

[BiGx5MurF]

Have you considered cooking with an iron skillet?