instruction: hello doctor I was diagnosed with anemia last month my serum iron level was 12 I was put on ferrous sulfate 325 my twice a day my doctor suspected a gi bleed because I have acid reflux that is under control with medications but I wanted to try supplements first I am not having any crazy gi symptoms though they said to try the iron for a month and then go back for another test I just went for a blood test last week and my serum level came back at 102 I am feeling much better and yesterday I had a follow up appointment at which my doctor said to stop taking the iron supplements and to retest in three months that seems like a long time to stop taking iron supplements after having only taken them for one month I also wonder about the validity of the recent test because I am now reading that supplements can falsely elevate your actual iron level I was not told to stop taking the supplements before the test was the iron serum blood test accurate if I did not stop taking iron for a short period beforehand also is it safe to stop taking iron for three months I am currently taking omeprazole prozac and klopin
output: hello yes the test is still valid the results would show the effect of increased iron intake for the past weeks that you have been taking it and a few days of not taking it will not have much effect not taking it for three months is still fine I believe your doctor has already concluded that you do not have gi bleed as of now so most likely your body can replenish the iron through diet without any need for supplements but if you have symptoms of dizziness fatigue and lightheadedness seek further consult with your doctor in the meantime I recommend stick with a high iron diet such as meat and green leafy vegetables I also recommend you take food and drinks high in vitamin to better absorb the iron in the gut is there anything else I can help you with