Celiac and Low iron levels

[rozee1972]

I was diagnosed with celiacs disease three years ago. I also take meds for GERD, hypothyroid, pre diabetes, cholesterol, and anxiety. For the first two years after adhering to a gluten free diet and also supplementing with iron pills, my levels were pretty stable at 14. My doctor noticed that they started to decline last year to 13 and now recently to 12. I am still gluten free, but do not take iron tabs. She wants to check the iron levels again , even tho they were checked in July, bc she thinks I’m on a steady decline.

With celiacs, and the aforementioned conditions and medications, could I just always have low levels of iron that need to be restored? I’m freaking out over here bc I failed to mention I’m a big hypochondriac. Any words of wisdom would help.

[Cooper27]

Do you take anything for the GERD? And does your diet contain enough foods with iron in them?

Low stomach acid is pretty common with autoimmune diseases, and if you take acid suppressants for the GERD, you will struggle to extract sufficient iron from your food too.

14 sounds like it's only just within range (although I don't know the reference ranges you're using) so if you did get a top up, it would be better to target being higher up in the range before you stop supplementing again.

You might also benefit from taking some vitamin C supplements, as they helps you to absorb more iron.

[rozee1972 in reply to Cooper27]

Thanks, Cooper. I do take omeprazole for my GERD and hiatal hernia. The range the lab goes by here (US) normal is 11.0-15.0. I’m currently at 12 down from 13 last year. I think she is being proactive but I just wonder if I’ll have to supplement bc of my celiacs and other diagnoses/medicines. All of my other levels in the complete work up were ok- white blood cells, red blood cells, etc. you have no idea how much I appreciate any input you have.

[Cooper27 in reply to rozee1972]

Very different from our range here, which is something like 15-160

There were a few questions on acid reflux/Omeprazole here earlier in the week. It's worth looking back at the discussion. GERD can often be a result of low stomach acid, as opposed to excess stomach acid. Taking things like omeprazole will further suppress stomach acid, which then means you won't digest your food as efficiently. If you do drop further, I'd suggest it's likely the omeprazole that's the culprit, and that you need to figure out whether it's necessary.

Do incorporate some vitamin C supplements into your day, it does help.

[rozee1972 in reply to Cooper27]

Wow, that’s really news to me! Thanks. I wonder, though, I have read that other medications , such as metformin for diabetes (which I’m on) can also inhibit the absorption of iron.

Also, I take a chewy vitamin c supplement each day, but not sure how effective it is. Any recommendations on products or amount?

I appreciate your responses so much 😊

[Cooper27 in reply to rozee1972]

I'm not too sure on metformin unfortunately.

I was told by a nutritionist not to worry too much about brand for vitamin C, it all works much the same. Chewable should be ok, but check how much of your GDA you're getting from it.

[CATRYNA49 in reply to rozee1972]

I also have Celiac, DH and Hashimotos. I have to take an iron supplement. It's no big deal to supplement; just make it an organic supplement vs inorganic. Also, you mentioned that you take meds for cholesterol levels, so I would assume that you have Hashimotos not merely Hypothyroid. My cholesterol is on the high side because of the Hashis. Just thought you would like to know.

[rozee1972 in reply to CATRYNA49]

Hi Catryna49! Thanks so much for the reply. I guess with celiacs we will always have to supplement with iron? My levels were ok, but lower now. Also, I’m not sure if I have hashimotos. I’m assuming there is a test? How did you know symptom wise?

It’s weird bc I thought I had this all under control being diagnosed 3 years ago, And following a gluten free diet, but apparently this will be a life-long issue to contend with in terms of supplementation.

[CATRYNA49 in reply to rozee1972]

Yes, I have found that supplementing with iron is a must, especially if you still have your periods. Blood work would reveal if you have Hashimotos. Be sure to have them check your Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) and Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). Those two are the key factors. As far as your cholesterol count is concerned, that is what led me to believe that you possibly also have the autoimmune disease Hashis. The two go hand in hand. Usually, when a person shows signs of an autoimmune issue, there are others. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and there are always things turning up. At that time the Holistic doctor merely thought I was Gluten Intolerant, but since I had DH, that proved without a doubt that it was Celiac.

For me, the symptoms were hair thinning, dry skin, periodontal problems, migraines, low body temperature.

[Cooper27 in reply to CATRYNA49]

It's always important to test before supplementing, as too high levels can cause organ damage.

I was surprised to find my ferritin levels were naturally near the top of the range (I have hashi's and possibly DH). If I take vitamin C or ferritin supplements, I can very quickly go over range, which is a nerve-wracking place to be.

[rozee1972 in reply to Cooper27]

Thanks, Cooper27! I am not supplementing with iron until I get my labwork done. Like I mentioned, my levels are not below normal at this point- just trending down. In all honesty, although I am gluten free, I can definitely improve my diet a lot. I’m incorporating more iron rich foods and avoiding those that hinder absorption. It’s just so frustrating because I feel too young to have all of these issues (I’m 48).

On a side note, with celiacs do you experience leg pain?

[Cooper27 in reply to rozee1972]

Some coeliacs do - if it's cramping pain, try supplementing magnesium

[CATRYNA49 in reply to rozee1972]

Yes, it is difficult to suffer from health issues when your are young. I was 60, before being properly diagnosed correctly. It took 45 years of suffering through stupid ignorant allopathic doctors and psychiatrists to finally pinpoint the problems. I can now look back and pinpoint my fall into autoimmune disease around the age of 13/14 following a reaction to the OPV and the final coup de' gras with a Tetanus shot, a few months later, when I entered high school.

[rozee1972 in reply to CATRYNA49]

Thanks! I will definitely mention this to my doctor. I really appreciate this and any other insight you want to share. So helpful!