I've always had very low iron as well. The frequent BM's definitely were a side effect for me too. I've gone to adding spinach on every sandwich instread of lettuce. Burgers are great this way. Basically, leafy greens are high in iron as well as whole grain breads. Peanut butter has a good amount of iron in it and if you pair it with something like OJ, the vitamin C will help you absorb it better. Tofu is usually good for an iron boost and so is liver, but you won't ever catch me eating liver. I puke just smelling it. Like olympic style puking. Blech.

Take the iron pills for now to bring you up quicker and work on your diet in the mean time. I agree with CCinSC, keep a mild laxative on hand. Iron will plug you up right proper. It may possibly change your stools dark as well, so don't be alarmed. (sorry if any of this grosses anyone out. can you tell I work in healthcare? ) If all of this doesn't help, have them also do a thyroid check. Since you are going so often as well, you could possibly have IBS or some other intestinal problem. They don't allow you to process food correctly, so the iron you ingest may not get fully absorbed. Just something to think about.

If you are going to ride any long distances anytime soon, make sure you have ample access to restrooms until you know how this change will affect you. good luck.