Where can I find leak-proof ok-to-travel-size containers to contain my liquid iron supplement?

November 6, 2009 2:56 PM

Where can I find really good leak-proof ok-to-travel-on-airplane-size containers to contain my liquid iron supplement?

I've been using some nalgene-looking guys I got at the Container Store, but they're not entirely leak-proof, and the inside gets stained (which would be ok if it was simply color) with, i believe, particles of the Floravital (like Floradix, but gluten-free) which may include stuff other than the iron portion of the supplement. Yeck! I clean them with soap and hot water every couple of days.

I'm thinking little glass bottles, instead, since it comes in a huge brown glass bottle from the store, but I sure don't want those to break inside whatever i'm carrying them in if I can help it. I also always put the little bottles inside another separate plastic bag to try and prevent that. Maybe little glass bottles inside some kind of Pelican case?

Just in case you are going to suggest pills instead: Yes, pills would be waaaaaay easier, but my experience with my anemia in the last year is that my body seems to absorb the liquid iron a hell of a lot better (in fact I'm unsure I am able to absorb capsule/caplets, I've tried a few different kinds, based on other mefi threads, and had zero results after a few months of each) and I can't really afford to skip more than a day at this point nor jack with my digestion further, and Floravital does the trick. I've also seen a whole lot of docs, who have concluded: "well, I dunno, keep taking the liquid iron. We scoped you from top to bottom and you're not bleeding anywhere, your intestines look beautiful from your 100% gluten-free diet, your Hashimoto's is being finely controlled, and despite definitely not being female, you clearly need iron."

posted by bitterkitten to health & fitness (9 comments total)

Oh, and btw, I need to refrigerate the stuff. I don't typically do that during transport, but as soon as I get wherever I'm going, I put it in the first available fridge.
posted by bitterkitten at 2:57 PM on November 6

GoToob bottle from REI.
leak proof, food grade, and ok for airline travel.
posted by special-k at 3:03 PM on November 6

I have been using these lately. I can attest to their leakproofness. They're also food-grade, and as far as one can say such a thing about a TSA-friendly container, they're cute. Maybe the blue would mask staining.
posted by *s at 3:06 PM on November 6

Just bring the bottle. I accidentally carried some Pepto-Bismol through security, and they told me that all over-the-counter and prescription medications were allowed. That seems to be backed up here. They just had to open it and wave some kind of explosives-detecting paper strips over the bottle, then they let me through.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 3:10 PM on November 6

I love these Silicone Travel Bottles (reviewed at Kevin Kelly's Cool Tools which seems to be throwing an error). But they might not solve the staining problem.
posted by barnone at 3:11 PM on November 6

I, also, was going to say REI. But if there is not one in your area, most decent outdoor/camping stores carry a variety of leak-proof containers for liquids.
posted by iurodivii at 5:13 PM on November 6

Tupperware. Doesn't leak, doesn't stain.
posted by yawper at 9:07 PM on November 6

you're allowed to take larger amounts of prescription medication through security. so keep it in its original container, with a copy of the prescription, and for good measure, a copy of the regulation permitting it. if you're afraid of leakage, put it in a gallon zip-top bag with all the relevant paperwork and mark it as medical equipment. everything you need to know is here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm
posted by thinkingwoman at 9:10 PM on November 6

Thinkingwoman's suggestion sounds optimal. If that doesn't work out:

When it comes to traveling with liquids, I've become a fan of Nalgene leakproof bottles. (Link here is to the Container Store, but I'm sure they can be found at REI and elsewhere.) They're tiny, they're cheap, and they're serious about that not leaking thing.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 12:38 AM on November 7