Susan (Catskills, New York, USA) on 10/30/2008:

Warning

Iron is good for the body, but can also lead to serious toxic problems. My mother had always taken iron supplements (she was once tested as low iron even with supplements -- I am the same). Then, she developed cancer and her iron levels became very, very low. The cancer was happily feeding on all the iron she was putting into her system. While one doctor just advised upping her iron more and more to keep iron levels up, a later doctor indicated that the excessive iron contributed to the rapid spread and return of her cancer. Before I knew the dangers of iron overload, I would eat the same iron-rich foods as I made for her, and even popped an iron supplement or two. Bad move. I damaged my heart.

So, please, before engaging in any iron supplement regimen, get another doctor's opinion about YOUR specific needs. And please, don't treat yourself for an iron deficiency without medical advice. Remember, iron is a heavy metal, and many people -- such as I -- have had to have chelation therapy to detox.

May I suggest maple syrup as a alternative choice for iron and nutrients?

I have excerpted the following from two cancer information website.
http://www.cancerproject.org/protective_foods/building_strength/iron.php
"Iron encourages the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. Of course, the body needs a certain amount of iron for healthy blood cells. But beyond this rather small amount, iron becomes a dangerous substance, acting as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals. Because of this, research studies have shown that higher amounts of iron in the blood mean higher cancer risk.,

Once iron is absorbed by the digestive tract, the body stores it. Most of us accumulate much more iron than we need. In spite of the advertising from iron supplement manufacturers, "iron overload" is much more common in America than iron deficiency. The reason is the daily diet of red meats, which contributes much more iron than most people can safely handle over the long run. A diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, and natural sugars such as maple, provides adequate iron, without the risk of overload."

--------

http://www.menweb.org/alexiron.htm

"Iron acts as a cancer-promoting agent by two separate yet synergistic mechanisms: 1) by producing "free radicals," and 2) by feeding cancer cells. Iron increases the production of free radicals, and-in fact-the production of free radicals is largely proportionate to the level of iron.4 This means that the more iron there is in the body, the more free radicals will be produced and thus the greater the risk of disease, in this case, cancer. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules which damage (oxidize) the DNA of cells. Since DNA controls the activities of the cell, once the DNA is damaged, the cell becomes "out of control." Essentially, all cancer cells are out of control. These cancer cells then replicate and grow rapidly and eventually infiltrate and damage the body's organs.

Additionally, cancer cells consume many nutrients and thereby starve the host. One of the nutrients cancer cells need most is iron. In fact, researchers now think that iron may be a "rate-limiting" nutrient for cancer cell growth.5 This means that the more iron that is available, the more the cancer cells will divide and flourish, and the better chance they have of killing the host. Recent research has shown that people with high levels of iron have an increased risk for cancer."

Susan (Catskills, New York, USA) on 10/30/2008:

Warning

Iron is good for the body, but can also lead to serious toxic problems. My mother had always taken iron supplements (she was once tested as low iron even with supplements -- I am the same). Then, she developed cancer and her iron levels became very, very low. The cancer was happily feeding on all the iron she was putting into her system. While one doctor just advised upping her iron more and more to keep iron levels up, a later doctor indicated that the excessive iron contributed to the rapid spread and return of her cancer. Before I knew the dangers of iron overload, I would eat the same iron-rich foods as I made for her, and even popped an iron supplement or two. Bad move. I damaged my heart.

So, please, before engaging in any iron supplement regimen, get another doctor's opinion about YOUR specific needs. And please, don't treat yourself for an iron deficiency without medical advice. Remember, iron is a heavy metal, and many people -- such as I -- have had to have chelation therapy to detox.

May I suggest maple syrup as a alternative choice for iron and nutrients?

I have excerpted the following from two cancer information website.
http://www.cancerproject.org/protective_foods/building_strength/iron.php
"Iron encourages the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. Of course, the body needs a certain amount of iron for healthy blood cells. But beyond this rather small amount, iron becomes a dangerous substance, acting as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals. Because of this, research studies have shown that higher amounts of iron in the blood mean higher cancer risk.,

Once iron is absorbed by the digestive tract, the body stores it. Most of us accumulate much more iron than we need. In spite of the advertising from iron supplement manufacturers, "iron overload" is much more common in America than iron deficiency. The reason is the daily diet of red meats, which contributes much more iron than most people can safely handle over the long run. A diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, and natural sugars such as maple, provides adequate iron, without the risk of overload."

--------

http://www.menweb.org/alexiron.htm

"Iron acts as a cancer-promoting agent by two separate yet synergistic mechanisms: 1) by producing "free radicals," and 2) by feeding cancer cells. Iron increases the production of free radicals, and-in fact-the production of free radicals is largely proportionate to the level of iron.4 This means that the more iron there is in the body, the more free radicals will be produced and thus the greater the risk of disease, in this case, cancer. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules which damage (oxidize) the DNA of cells. Since DNA controls the activities of the cell, once the DNA is damaged, the cell becomes "out of control." Essentially, all cancer cells are out of control. These cancer cells then replicate and grow rapidly and eventually infiltrate and damage the body's organs.

Additionally, cancer cells consume many nutrients and thereby starve the host. One of the nutrients cancer cells need most is iron. In fact, researchers now think that iron may be a "rate-limiting" nutrient for cancer cell growth.5 This means that the more iron that is available, the more the cancer cells will divide and flourish, and the better chance they have of killing the host. Recent research has shown that people with high levels of iron have an increased risk for cancer."

Louise (Louisville, KY) on 07/25/2008:

I have been anemic all of my life, but it got worse when I my fibroids began to grow. After surgery my iron levels were still very low. My Hct hoovered around 21, the average is 41-53. I decided to try the BSM instead of taking iron pills. My Dr. checked my levels 2 weeks after taking BSM (1 TBSP/day in a cup of coffee or tea). I was still low, but it had increased to 34 instead of 21 which was a norm for me. The Doctor told me to keep doing what I am doing. I do have more energy while take BSM but I do notice that if I skip the weekend doses I begin to feel drained by Monday.

REPLY   3      

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Shelly (Billings, Montana) on 04/13/2008:

I have been anemic all of my life. I was born with it. After a recent blood test revealed my level being at 9 points, my physician insisted on having me eat an iron fortified cereal each day. When I suggested black strap molasses, he laughed and said it would only make me sick. I decided to go with BSM after reading up on it's nutrients. Nothing against cereal, but I'm not a big cereal eater. After taking in 2 tablespoons of BSM for a month, my level went from 9 points to 11. I stopped feeling tired, having rapid heart beats, and slept better. Oh and another benefit to this? Lighter period and less cramping. My doctor could not believe that BSM raised my level. To note: I used unsulphered BSM.

REPLY   15      

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Kim (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/24/2007:

About 6 months ago I found out I had very low iron levels (they were at a 7 and I think normal is a 12) The DR. put me on iron pills twice daily which did help. Than I read about the BSM and started taking it about a week or so ago instead of the iron pills. At first I thought it made me feel better and energized but now I am starting to notice some of my old symtoms coming back again like dizzy spells at night and just an overall strange feeling. I'm kind of concerned too because I read on another site that BSM really has no benefits at all and that was on rawfoodexplained.com I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is any truth to the article or not. I will be getting my iron levels checked soon and will find out if it is actually working or not.

REPLY         

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Nicole (Los Angeles, CA) on 09/28/2007:

I am a huge fan of BSM. I have used it to help alleviate symptoms from anemia and it really works. Recently, I had a weird thing happen where I was feeling slightly nauseated after consuming even small amounts of sugar. I switched from drinking my customary one cup of coffee to a cup of English tea sweetened with BSM and some half & half. The nausea disappeared and on top of that I feel like I am burning 'cleaner' energy- if you will. Maybe it's the minerals. Give it a try- it's great!

REPLY   5      

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Katy (Astoria, Oregon) on 06/04/2007:

Molasses (Remedy): Molasses is packed with iron and other nutrients. I have a large fibroid and have been losing lots of blood during period, this caused my iron deficiency! I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and was not craving ice like many of the other writers, but was eating tons of MINTS. Ice craving, I have read many times, is associated with iron deficiency! It's actually called "Pica," or a craving for unusual substances without nutritional value. People often eat dirt as well. I noticed that when I ate molasses as well as started an iron supplement along with my usual multivitamin, my mint craving went away. I see that people say their ice craving went away after taking molasses and that made me want to mention the link with iron deficiency and this strange craving! Thanks, Katy.

REPLY   4      

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Jess (Columbus, OH) on 05/06/2009:

My 22 month old was diagnosed as being anemic because of low iron count last month his iron count was 10pts the average is 12pts or higher. We had already been giving him high iron food and a vitamin with iron in it and nothing would bring the count up. The pediatrician gave us an iron drop supplement to give him, i didnt feel comfortable giving it to him because of all the side effects. Someone told me to try black strap molasses because it was high in iron. So i gave it a try and in 3 weeks his iron count went from 10pts to 14pts!!! We just gave it to him in his soymilk bottle.

REPLY   10      

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Angela (Greenwich, CT) on 04/09/2009:

I have suffered from anemia for almost 20 years and I have taken iron supplements and changed my diet so that I can overcome this anemia. I have also had many tests done to try to find out the source. I recently found out about the Gluten and have removed gluten from my diet. I also read about mollases and its many great benefits and take 1 tablespoon daily. My energy has more than doubled with these two changes in my diet and my periods are not as long and as painful! I have a feeling that the gluten has been robbing my body of its nutrition and adding the mollases has helping my body recover! I am so grateful to have found out about this product and this website!

REPLY   16      

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Erin (Haiku, HI) on 03/16/2009:

Blackstrap Molasses CURED my anemia. Pain is better with menstrual cycles/fibroids. Heart palpitations stopped altogether. Decreased excessive blood loss during cycle within 24 hours. I use 3 Tbs daily in a smoothie, without fail. 1 week before cycle I start taking 4 Tbs daily in smoothie and continue until cycle stops. I have more energy and focus.

My smoothie:
banana, frozen blueberries (anti-oxidant), 3-4 Tbs organic Blackstrap Molasses, spirulina, green edge powder, 1 Tbs Udo's efa oil, ground Tbs goji berries/ Tbs raw cacao, 3 Tbs Maca powder, sometimes an apricot or peach.

Tasty, BSM makes it deliciously sweet, can't taste the spirulina although the drink IS green!. It is very fulfilling and energizing.

If you have candida or parasites it may make you bloat. If this happens you can take 3 clove caps, 3 wormwood caps and 10 drops of black walnut- it will kill them and you can continue enjoying your morning drink.

BTW: I learned about BSM from this very website. I thank you with all of my heart.

REPLY   18      

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Satina (Waldport, Oregon) on 10/31/2008:

Regarding any warnings on Earth Clinic about molasses for anemia, I think it's important to remember that iron occuring in natural foods like molasses is balanced by all kinds of other minerals and trace minerals and so has a different effect on the body than a synthesized, inferior source of isolated iron in a pill. All of the minerals work synergistically in the body, buffering and enhancing one another.

In natural foods, you find them all together for a reason. We need them all, in order for any one of them to do their best for us. In addition, trace minerals in molasses such as, specifically, chromium, are essential to our body's metabolism of sugar, so consuming molasses is going to have nowhere near the negative effects on your body as consuming sugar *without* the trace minerals that are absolutely essential for its use by the body (as is the case in white, refined sugar).

Also, when one has a complaint about 'processed foods', it is because what is good for us, the nutrients, have been stripped away from the so-called 'refined' food left behind. In this case, molasses IS what has been stripped away (leaving the worthless refined white sugar behind), so molasses is of the highest nutrient-density. As a student in an M.S. program of study in Holistic Nutrition, I believe natural sources of minerals like molasses are *infinitely* superior to any synthesized supplements and should be encouraged, never discouraged.

Oh, and I like to put a tablespoon or two of blackstrap molasses in heated milk (or nut milk) as a mineral-rich, medicinal alternative to hot chocolate. :-)

REPLY   48      

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Susan (Catskills, New York, USA) on 10/30/2008:

Warning

PLEASE, PLEASE use caution when increasing iron intake from any source (particularly something like molasses that has been SO over processed -- it astounds me that people will turn their nose up at sugar as being a "processed" food, but ladle on tons of molasses, which is the sludge material left over from processing sugar, and is then further processed). Do I eschew molasses? No, it adds a nice touch of flavor to sweet treats and other foods.

Iron is good for the body, but can also lead to serious toxic problems. My mother had always taken iron supplements (she was once tested as low iron even with supplements -- I am the same). Then, she developed cancer and her iron levels became very, very low. The cancer was happily feeding on all the iron she was putting into her system. While one doctor just advised upping her iron more and more to keep iron levels up, a later doctor indicated that the excessive iron contributed to the rapid spread and return of her cancer. Before I knew the dangers of iron overload, I would eat the same iron-rich foods as I made for her, and even popped an iron supplement or two. Bad move. I damaged my heart.

So, please, before engaging in any iron supplement regimen, get another doctor's opinion about YOUR specific needs. And please, don't treat yourself for an iron deficiency without medical advice. Remember, iron is a heavy metal, and many people -- such as I -- have had to have chelation therapy to detox.

May I suggest maple syrup as a alternative choice for iron and nutrients?

I have excerpted the following from two cancer information website.
http://www.cancerproject.org/protective_foods/building_strength/iron.php
"Iron encourages the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. Of course, the body needs a certain amount of iron for healthy blood cells. But beyond this rather small amount, iron becomes a dangerous substance, acting as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals. Because of this, research studies have shown that higher amounts of iron in the blood mean higher cancer risk.,

Once iron is absorbed by the digestive tract, the body stores it. Most of us accumulate much more iron than we need. In spite of the advertising from iron supplement manufacturers, "iron overload" is much more common in America than iron deficiency. The reason is the daily diet of red meats, which contributes much more iron than most people can safely handle over the long run. A diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, and natural sugars such as maple, provides adequate iron, without the risk of overload."

--------

http://www.menweb.org/alexiron.htm

"Iron acts as a cancer-promoting agent by two separate yet synergistic mechanisms: 1) by producing "free radicals," and 2) by feeding cancer cells. Iron increases the production of free radicals, and-in fact-the production of free radicals is largely proportionate to the level of iron.4 This means that the more iron there is in the body, the more free radicals will be produced and thus the greater the risk of disease, in this case, cancer. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules which damage (oxidize) the DNA of cells. Since DNA controls the activities of the cell, once the DNA is damaged, the cell becomes "out of control." Essentially, all cancer cells are out of control. These cancer cells then replicate and grow rapidly and eventually infiltrate and damage the body's organs.

Additionally, cancer cells consume many nutrients and thereby starve the host. One of the nutrients cancer cells need most is iron. In fact, researchers now think that iron may be a "rate-limiting" nutrient for cancer cell growth.5 This means that the more iron that is available, the more the cancer cells will divide and flourish, and the better chance they have of killing the host. Recent research has shown that people with high levels of iron have an increased risk for cancer."

REPLY   3      

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Louise (Louisville, KY) on 07/25/2008:

I have been anemic all of my life, but it got worse when I my fibroids began to grow. After surgery my iron levels were still very low. My Hct hoovered around 21, the average is 41-53. I decided to try the BSM instead of taking iron pills. My Dr. checked my levels 2 weeks after taking BSM (1 TBSP/day in a cup of coffee or tea). I was still low, but it had increased to 34 instead of 21 which was a norm for me. The Doctor told me to keep doing what I am doing. I do have more energy while take BSM but I do notice that if I skip the weekend doses I begin to feel drained by Monday.

REPLY   3      

---

Shelly (Billings, Montana) on 04/13/2008:

I have been anemic all of my life. I was born with it. After a recent blood test revealed my level being at 9 points, my physician insisted on having me eat an iron fortified cereal each day. When I suggested black strap molasses, he laughed and said it would only make me sick. I decided to go with BSM after reading up on it's nutrients. Nothing against cereal, but I'm not a big cereal eater. After taking in 2 tablespoons of BSM for a month, my level went from 9 points to 11. I stopped feeling tired, having rapid heart beats, and slept better. Oh and another benefit to this? Lighter period and less cramping. My doctor could not believe that BSM raised my level. To note: I used unsulphered BSM.

REPLY   15      

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Kim (Philadelphia, PA) on 11/24/2007:

About 6 months ago I found out I had very low iron levels (they were at a 7 and I think normal is a 12) The DR. put me on iron pills twice daily which did help. Than I read about the BSM and started taking it about a week or so ago instead of the iron pills. At first I thought it made me feel better and energized but now I am starting to notice some of my old symtoms coming back again like dizzy spells at night and just an overall strange feeling. I'm kind of concerned too because I read on another site that BSM really has no benefits at all and that was on rawfoodexplained.com I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is any truth to the article or not. I will be getting my iron levels checked soon and will find out if it is actually working or not.

REPLY         

---

Nicole (Los Angeles, CA) on 09/28/2007:

I am a huge fan of BSM. I have used it to help alleviate symptoms from anemia and it really works. Recently, I had a weird thing happen where I was feeling slightly nauseated after consuming even small amounts of sugar. I switched from drinking my customary one cup of coffee to a cup of English tea sweetened with BSM and some half & half. The nausea disappeared and on top of that I feel like I am burning 'cleaner' energy- if you will. Maybe it's the minerals. Give it a try- it's great!

REPLY   5      

---

Katy (Astoria, Oregon) on 06/04/2007:

Molasses (Remedy): Molasses is packed with iron and other nutrients. I have a large fibroid and have been losing lots of blood during period, this caused my iron deficiency! I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and was not craving ice like many of the other writers, but was eating tons of MINTS. Ice craving, I have read many times, is associated with iron deficiency! It's actually called "Pica," or a craving for unusual substances without nutritional value. People often eat dirt as well. I noticed that when I ate molasses as well as started an iron supplement along with my usual multivitamin, my mint craving went away. I see that people say their ice craving went away after taking molasses and that made me want to mention the link with iron deficiency and this strange craving! Thanks, Katy.

REPLY   4