Anemia is a common symptom following surgery and with ADPKD.
Iron
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Shortages of Iron With PKD
With PKD we can develop a shortage of iron in our blood either from red blood cells being destroyed or a decrease in erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates new red blood cell formation. It is good to get a B12 level also necessary for iron carrying capacity of our red blood cells.
Iron Supplements
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Try first to get tested to determine the cause for your anemia. A good nephrologist can do this. Two supplements that
are used by PKD'rs in addition to prescribed iron are:
Innate Iron Response
Floradix
Hemoglobin and hematocrit (Hgb and Hct)
Hemoglobin is the protein-iron compound that carries oxygen in the blood. Levels can become decreased with
Polycystic Kidney Disease. When levels are low, physicians often prescribe either iron supplementation or erythropoietin (EPO),
a hormone produced by the kidney that promotes formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Low hematocrit levels result from decreased EPO production; less mature red blood cells; blood loss; or damage.
Low levels may mean that iron supplementation is likely necessary.
Iron Innate Response
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One all food vegan iron supplement complete with vitamin C is Iron Innate Response. Ingredients.
Floradix
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An iron herbal supplement called Floradix® has been used by individuals who are troubled with constipation from taking iron. This form of liquid iron with herbs does not cause constipation. Take this only when prescribed.
Constipation From Supplemental Iron
Supplemental iron can cause constipation. Drink water to keep things moving. if antacids or calcium carbonate (mylanta or tums) or foods high in calcium are taken at the same time as iron, this will cause almost half of the iron to be evacuated in the gut. Ferrous salts need an acidic pH of the stomach to aid its absorption. To defer constipation, try accomplishing it by taking iron with an all natural rose hips Vitamin C or foods high in vitamin C to aide absorption.
Side Effects of Iron
The degree to which the different types of supplements cause side effects seems to be directly related to the amount of elemental
iron per pill. Slow release and other forms of iron are more expensive and may be better tolerated.
Iron should be taken on a empty stomach to maximize absorption but few people seem to tolerate this. It's a trade off, and you need
to determine what works. Better to find a dosing schedule that you'll stick to, rather than making yourself miserable with supplements,
or quitting prematurely.
For maximal tolerance and absorption, spread doses out throughout the day.
Vitamin C may help iron supplement absorption. Taking a tablet with each dose can be considered. Some prefer orange juice instead.
Your stools will turn black. Don't be frightened. Iron isn't fully absorbed.
Types of iron with less side effects are:
Ferrous Bisglycinate capsules (K-Pure®) 20mg.
Carbonyl is far less likely to cause any GI side effects.
Heme iron polypeptide (HIP), may be better tolerated.
Vegan Iron contains ferrous fumarate, a gentle form of iron (do not take has tomatoes).
Get the Most Iron From Food Sources
Red grape juice is wonderful for raising the iron reserves as are dried apricots, spinach, broccoli (broccoli sprouts even better) egg yolks and a few have tried cereal grass juices such as spelt grass juice, barley grass juice and cereal grass juice (just an ounce, followed by a bite into a fresh orange slice).
Chlorophyll or Green Juices
Green juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll. Our genes affect our health outcomes 25%. Our environment impacts and affects our bodies much more strongly than once suggested. Our genes can be changed by taking the time, having the inclination to eat our prepared foods. The Blue Zones of the world have proved this.
| VEGAN IRON FOOD | AMOUNT | IRON (mg) |
| Blackstrap molasses | 2 Tbsp | 7.2 |
| Lentils, cooked | 1 cup | 6.6 |
| Spinach, cooked | 1 cup | 6.4 |
| Quinoa, cooked | 1 cup | 6.3 |
| Bagel, spelt | 3 ounces | 5.2 |
| Garbanzo beans, cooked | 1 cup | 4.7 |
| Navy beans, cooked | 1 cup | 4.5 |
| Lima beans, cooked | 1 cup | 4.4 |
| Swiss chard, cooked | 1 cup | 4.0 |
| Black beans, cooked | 1 cup | 3.6 |
| Pinto beans, cooked | 1 cup | 3.5 |
| Turnip greens, cooked | 1 cup | 3.2 |
| Chickpeas, cooked | 1 cup | 3.2 |
| Kidney beans, cooked | 1 cup | 3.0 |
| Beet greens, cooked | 1 cup | 2.7 |
| Lentil soup | 1 cup | 2.7 |
| Peas, cooked | 1 cup | 2.5 |
| Black eyed peas, cooked | 1 cup | 2.3 |
| Cashews | 1/4 cup | 2.1 |
| Brussel sprouts | 1 cup | 1.9 |
| Bok choy, cooked | 1 cup | 1.8 |
| Oatmeal, cooked | 1 cup | 1.6 |
| Bulgur, cooked | 1 cup | 1.7 |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup | 1.6 |
| Almonds | 1/4 cup | 1.5 |
| Apricots, dried | 15 halves | 1.4 |
| Veggie burger nų soy | 1 patty | 1.4 |
| Watermelon | 1/8 medium | 1.4 |
| Green beans, cooked | 1 cup | 1.2 |
| Kale, cooked | 1 cup | 1.2 |
| Almond butter | 2 Tbsp | 1.2 |
| Broccoli, cooked | 1 cup | 1.1 |
| Millet, cooked | 1 cup | 1.1 |
| FOOD | IRON (mg/100 calories) | |
| Spinach, cooked | 15.7 | |
| Collard greens, cooked | 3.1 | |
| Lentils, cooked | 2.9 | |
| Lentils, cooked | 2.9 | |
| Broccoli, cooked | 1.9 | |
| Hamburger | 1.2 | |
| Chickpeas, cooked | 1.1 | |
| Steak | 0.9 | |
| Milk | 0.1 |
Heme Animal Protein vs Non-heme Plant Protein Iron
Note the comparative vegan values of non-heme iron from plant sources vs heme iron from animal protein sources. Heme animal protein iron is easily absorbed through the intestinal cells and non-heme iron requires a few extra steps to get into our blood. Vitamin C (aka ascorbic acid) ingested with food facilitates a reaction that enhances absorption of non-heme iron (plant iron), by helping get more non-heme iron across our intestinal cells into our blood. Try to include citrus fruits, juices, or other high vitamin C fruits and vegetables such as papaya, broccoli, cabbage, or collard greens with your meal as a great way to get the most out of your non-heme iron.
Bioavailability of iron, zinc, trace minerals from Vegetarian Diets
It's commonly thought that vegetarians and vegans are more prone to iron deficiency. But, interestingly, studies have shown that vegetarian and vegan diets contain just as much iron, if not more, than diets containing meat. Heme iron is the best form of iron, as up to 40% of it is readily absorbed by your body.
Good food sources of heme iron:
Beef
Pork
Checken
Veal
Fish
Shellfish
Good sources of non-heme iron
fortified cereals
dark green leafy vegetables
dried fruits
beans
Top Foods High in Iron, Not necessarily good for PKD,
8mg per day for men, and 18mg per day for women who are not pregnant or nursing.
Clams - not good for PKD
Clams are one of the highest ranked food sources for iron. A three-ounce serving of canned clams contains a whopping 8mg of iron.
Fortified Cereals
Breakfast cereals are often a main source of iron, but you have to choose the right types. Sugar-laden cereals you might have eaten as a kid aren't the best choice. The key is to look for a fortified cereal that contains 100 percent of your daily value of iron. A one-cup serving of cereal contains 18mg of iron.
Oysters - not good for PKD
Next time you go to your favorite seafood restaurant, consider ordering some oysters. A three-ounce serving contains 10.2mg of iron.
White Beans
While all beans offer iron, white beans pack the most. In fact, a one-cup serving contains 8mg of iron.
Hot Fortified Breakfast Cereal
For days when you crave a hot breakfast over cold cereal, fortified hot cereals can contain 4.9-8.1mg of iron per packet.
Chocolate - not good for PKD
If you're a dark chocolate lover, now you have another reason to eat your favorite dessert. Three ounces of dark chocolate equals approximately one small bar which contains about 7mg of iron.
Organ Meats - not good for PKD
While organ meats are often overlooked, they're a great source of vital nutrients, including iron. The exact amount depends on the type of organ, as well as its source. Beef liver, for example, has 5mg of iron per a regular 3oz serving.
Soybeans - not good for PKD
Soybeans are an ideal protein source in vegetarian diets, but these nutrient-dense legumes are good for everyone. A half-cup serving contains 4.4mg of iron.
Lentils
Lentils pulses are relatives of beans, and are another valuable source of iron. A half-cup serving contains just over 3mg of iron.
Spinach - not good for PKD as it contains oxalates
Spinach is famous for its vitamin A content, but it is also a valuable source of iron: a half-cup of it contains about 3mg.
