Taking 65 mg Iron/325 mg Ferrous Sulfate twice a day because while I wasn't anemic, I was low on iron. I am now officially anemic after upping my dose. Dr. wants me to up it by one more pill - 65 mg Iron. What am I doing wrong?

Hello Anonymous,

It sounds like you have iron-deficiency anemia. It is a common, easily treated condition that occurs if you do not have enough iron in your body. Low iron levels usually are due to blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from food.

Anemia usually refers to a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. It can also occur if your red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin, which is the iron-rich protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Treatment may include dietary changes along with iron supplements. Talk with your doctor. Confirm the cause of your low iron levels and anemia. Ask if you should include more iron rich foods to your daily diet. Ask why the amount of iron supplements is being increased.

Maryann