Taking too much iron? Vegetarian question.?!
Taking too much iron? Vegetarian question.?
I became a vegetarian last november (for those of you who know, I'm a pesca-ovo-lacto-vegetarian, I eat fish, eggs and milk) but lately I've been very tired. I eat tons of protein - cheese beans, tofu, and TVP (if you don't know what it is, don't worry about it, it's a BETTER source of protein that meat!) but I totally neglected to supplement my iron intake. (duh)
So, I went out to buy iron supplements and I found IRON AID!
Which contains:
150mg vitamin C (250% daily value)
Folic Acid 400 mcg (100% daily value)
Vitamin B12 100 mcg (1,667% daily value) !!!
Iron 25 mg (139% daily value)
Well I'm not on a 2000 calorie diet. My intake is more like 1,200 calories per day. I'm a smaller person (we've been over this with my doctor, I just can't eat that much! And I'm a healthy weight!)
What's this all gonna DO to me? Is ODing on these vitamins going to have annoying side effects?
Go ahead. be graphic. I can take it.
Just don't be rude about my choice to be vegetarian.
21 hours ago
will consult a nutritionist...when I'm richer. Right now, I'm on an HMO and my group would NEVER approve a nutritionist in a million years. I doubt they'd test my blood, but I can ask my jerk doctor :o)
20 hours ago
there is such a thing as a pesca-vegetarian. We're not all vegans. Some us boycott the poultry and beef industry and don't have a problem eating fish.
Expand your thinking.
Answers:
You don't need that much iron. A fortified cereal in addition to what you are already eating should be sufficient. You might want to check the nutrition label on your milk too, some have a little added iron. Too much iron can cause bowel problems and stomach ulcers. Some studies even suggest that being slightly anemic may reduce your risk of heart disease (slightly being the operative word; if you're feeling sick it's not good).
That's also quite a bit of B12...I don't think it's toxic but you don't need that much. You will be getting enough from the eggs, milk and fish. If you're eating all of those things in addition to lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains you really don't need a supplement of any kind.