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Suspect low iron
I suspect low iron as I have a cravings for rice.. eating more raw rice daily.. can I take iron supplement without doctor prescription for 1 month and discontinue it.. or should I take blood test before such tablet
Answers (21)
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It's always better to go for blood tests before starting any medication so that later on, we can judge how much improvement is done .
You can get your blood test , in government hospital nearby you and then can start the medications.
More over iron medications have side effects like nausea and vomiting .
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Don't start iron without getting any test done as sometimes iron tablets can alter blood reports.
So better to do some blood investigation and then if needed start iron tablets.
Next Steps
blood tests like CBC, peripheral smear, iron studies and a few more tests if needed on the basis of cbc report
Health Tips
kindly connect and will guide you what to do.
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Females are usually low in iron
Get tested for
Iron profile
Serum ferritin
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Hi,
It's better to get a simple CBC done and possibly iron and ferritin levels.
If finance is an issue get only hemoglobin, mcv, iron and ferritin levels.
Also, one of the most common reasons for craving such food is worm infestation. You won't see the worm come out so you can consider deworming.
Next Steps
Consult with the reports
Thank you
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Usually it's sign of calcium deficiency too.
Shalcal 500
Iron supplements u can add.
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Craving for raw rice is not necessarily an indication that you have low iron. It could be due to other factors as well. While taking iron is not harmful, it does have its own side effects. Also, not all anaemia is due to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is better to get tested, find out exact cause and treat the cause.
Next Steps
Get tested for anaemia, and psycho social conditions, and make a plan for holistic treatment including dietary changes
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Eating raw rice does not mean you have low Hemoglobin
Preferably any medicines should be started only after a proper blood test.
But as a senior gynaecologist recommended for all Indian Women - All women can take Iron twice a week
Plus a high Iron diet.
So take the Iron and get your tests done as soon as possible as recommended by your doctor
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Craving raw rice can be a sign of iron deficiency
but it’s best to confirm with a blood test for hemoglobin levels
Or you can take a low-dose iron supplement ( with ferrous sulfate 30 mg once daily) upto 1 month
Take with vitamin C for better absorption, and avoid taking it with dairy products
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Check your Hb and Ferritin levels if you are craving raw rice.
You can start supplements if there's any deficiency, otherwise Tab Zincovit will do, one tablet for one month, as Zinc deficiency also can cause these cravings.
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