Why is Vitamin C included with this iron supplement?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is included because it significantly enhances iron absorption in your digestive tract. Bariatric surgery alters your stomach anatomy and reduces stomach acid, making it harder for your body to break down nutrients; the added 60 mg of Vitamin C helps overcome this obstacle for maximum bioavailability.
What form of iron is used, and is it gentle on the stomach?
This product uses coated ferrous fumarate (30 mg of elemental iron per tablet). The specialized coating is designed to be highly stomach-friendly and easy to digest, which helps prevent the common gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or constipation often associated with traditional iron supplements.
How many tablets do I need to take each day?
The recommended serving size is 1 chewable tablet per day, which provides 167% of the general Daily Value. However, because post-surgery iron requirements vary drastically based on your specific procedure (like a Gastric Bypass vs. Duodenal Switch) and your personal blood work trends, your bariatric dietitian may adjust your daily dosage.
Can I take this chewable at the same time as my calcium supplements or dairy?
No, you must space this product at least two hours apart from any calcium supplements, calcium-rich foods, or dairy products. Calcium and iron compete directly for the same absorption pathways in the body, and taking them together will drastically reduce the amount of iron your system can absorb.
What does this tablet taste like, and does it leave a metallic aftertaste?
Celebrate Iron + Vitamin C Chewables feature a pleasant Grape flavor. The chewable formula is specifically designed to taste great without any of the harsh, bitter, or metallic aftertastes commonly found in standard over-the-counter iron pills.
Is this product sugar-free and gluten-free?
This product is completely gluten-free. It does contain a small amount of cane sugar (2g of added sugars per tablet for flavor optimization) and is sweetened with a blend of cane sugar and sucralose, making it safe for the vast majority of bariatric diets while remaining gentle on your pouch.
