Coeliac Blood tests

[Tiggykanga]

I am a vegetarian and eat only a small amount of fish but a huge variety of veggies and fruit etc. I have just had this years tests and all were fine except my iron which had dropped to 11. Since diagnosis I have had an issue with iron levels - originally on daily tablets but they made me very sick all the time so my doctor stopped them, tried dried apricots on a daily basis but all to no avail. My doctor called me in for an appt which happened this morning and she is a bit puzzled (as am I) - iron levels are consistently dropping yet haemoglobin levels remain normal so no anaemia. We discussed the long term injection but she said as I have such a bad reaction she is reluctant to try it. She has requested another Endoscopy and Colonoscopy this morning (last ones were done when I was diagnosed about 5/6 years ago).

Wondered if any of you lovely folks have any tips for increasing iron levels naturally (don't forget I am vegetarian). I read on the internet (nomeatathlete.com/iron-for-... that I should already be getting plenty of plant based iron based on my current diet so I am at a loss

Also I am confused as to why ferritin levels are low yet haemoglobin is normal when haemoglobin production is dependent on iron?

[Sweatyfaced]

You need vit D to help you absorb nutrients; did you get outside in the sun enough over summer? You could try a supplement now it's winter to see if it's that? Best of luck!

[Tiggykanga in reply to Sweatyfaced]

I am taking Calcium & Vit D twice daily as prescribed by my doctor since diagnosis but thanks for the suggestion.

[Sweatyfaced in reply to Tiggykanga]

Oh well, looks like the doctor is doing the right thing in investigating thoroughly. You never know, the blood test results might gave been screwy - it can happen! Xxx

[Galixie]

I remember hearing about spatone (liquid iron) a while back. The people using it said it worked to raise their iron level and it didn't make them sick the way tablets did. I haven't tried it, so this info is second hand.

[emmylou_62]

I have also heard of floradix, herbal liquid, apparently only 20% of iron tablets but may be enough to help? I add spinach to pretty much everything but again try have with vit c to aid absorption

[Tiggykanga in reply to emmylou_62]

Interesting re: spinach. I always eat a fair amount of it on salads etc but apparently it contains oxalates which block absorbtion although various researchers are at odds with each other on this issue.

[Jacks]

There are lots of things that can affect your iron stores. It's good your Hb is fine - worry when that's depleted. It's good they're being checked - many things can cause anaemias including toouch booze, heavy periods, being coeliac and vegetarian. To increase stores you need more input than output. Darkest greens with Vit C (so tomatoes can work here). No eggs or calcium in your iron meal. No tea. Remember the mineral science. Iron tablets will work faster than liquids - you need to aim for a high dose. Having said that, yes, they are oxidants and affect the gut. Don't have them on an empty stomach if they hurt. I don't think they're good long term. I do eat red meat so managed to increase my levels.