Are you taking iron supplements?
If so, have you started having issues with your calfs?
So far, 3 of us are/have. Wondering if others…
If so, have you figured out how to get it to stop?
Thanks
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“cause” is probably too strong … Can they increase the likelihood?
It feels like I’ve pulled my calf, just walking. Arghh.
If true, this is the 2nd pull/tear in about as many weeks on iron supplements.
Taking 1000mg ferrous sulfate daily per instructions.
Just bad luck? I think I’ve had 1 pull in my life previously.
If there is a correlation, anything to reduce this effect?
I want to run.
I just started taking an iron supplement a week ago and I am having cramps in my calves every day. I have no idea if that is the cause but that is the only thing I’m doing differently.
If true, this is the 2nd pull/tear in about as many weeks on iron supplements.
Taking 1000mg ferrous sulfate daily per instructions.
On whose instructions? That seems like a lot in the absence of verified anemia/renal failure.
There isn’t any evidence that it contributes to calf cramps, but there isn’t any that it doesn’t either. What else are you taking with it to aid in absorption?
Pulled plenty of muscles with Iron! Lalso, why are you taking 180mg of iron daily? If it’s not on the recommendations/management of a doctor I’d recommend you stop.
On whose instructions? That seems like a lot in the absence of verified anemia/renal failure.
There isn’t any evidence that it contributes to calf cramps, but there isn’t any that it doesn’t either. What else are you taking with it to aid in absorption?
John
Nurse’s instructions.
I think she would have mentioned if I had renal failure, so probably I’m good
I thought I might be iron deficient, so tried eating red meat (1st time in a decade) - daily.
Helped some symptoms, but my energy levels were still in the pits.
After 4 months trying, I decided I might need a little help. Doc agreed most likely I was still low on iron.
Nurse called confirming my ferritin and iron saturation were low, said doc wanted me to take 330mg ferrous sulfate 3x/day.
Not having cramps, but does feel like a tiger swiped my right calf w/ claws extended. Maybe just bad luck, 2 so close together…
Bummer, I’m finally beginning to feel good again and can’t act on it.
I’m taking the pills w/ a little OJ on an otherwise emptyish stomach.
I’m taking the pills w/ a little OJ on an otherwise emptyish stomach.
Hrm, I need to go look up my nutrients again for what aids absorption, but I don’t think you’re getting as much out of it as you could. Drop Dave Luscan a PM, he used iron supplementation for his major gains in TT, there was a writeup on here a couple years ago.
On whose instructions? That seems like a lot in the absence of verified anemia/renal failure.
There isn’t any evidence that it contributes to calf cramps, but there isn’t any that it doesn’t either. What else are you taking with it to aid in absorption?
John
I’ve been taking iron suppl as well. I’m not a vegetarian but I only eat red meat once every 2 weeks or so. After about 2 months of taking them, I have been plagued with cramping in my calves. Can’t say for sure what the cause is but I have never had problems with my calves before. I’m a nurse and you are correct to take your iron with orange juice. It increases the absorption percentage. Also, avoid tea and other tannin containing foods an hour before or after you take the iron. It inhibits the iron being absorbed.
Nurse’s instructions.
I think she would have mentioned if I had renal failure, so probably I’m good
I thought I might be iron deficient, so tried eating red meat (1st time in a decade) - daily.
Helped some symptoms, but my energy levels were still in the pits.
After 4 months trying, I decided I might need a little help. Doc agreed most likely I was still low on iron.
Nurse called confirming my ferritin and iron saturation were low, said doc wanted me to take 330mg ferrous sulfate 3x/day.
Not having cramps, but does feel like a tiger swiped my right calf w/ claws extended. Maybe just bad luck, 2 so close together…
Bummer, I’m finally beginning to feel good again and can’t act on it.
I’m taking the pills w/ a little OJ on an otherwise emptyish stomach.
I know iron is supposed to help utilize oxy in blood but I also thought I understood men should not take Iron…due to it causing cancer. Women need it to boost low level during menstral.
I know iron is supposed to help utilize oxy in blood but I also thought I understood men should not take Iron…due to it causing cancer. Women need it to boost low level during menstral.
Both men and women may become low on iron for a variety of reasons.
More common in endurance athletes, even those who only swim, than the general population.
If you aren’t low, you shouldn’t take it - negative effects.
I take a 65mg Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) supplement daily and have had no issues with it. Since I started taking it I feel a little better on the bike and have a little more energy.
To give best absorption I take the supplement at night just before bed … I generally have a fairly empty stomach and don’t get the “Iron” taste that can sometimes come with taking an Iron supplement.
Lalso, why are you taking 180mg of iron daily? If it’s not on the recommendations/management of a doctor I’d recommend you stop.