HH and Effects on Minerals

[sleepyowl]

Hi everyone

Does anyone here with HH also have mineral deficiencies?

I read a few articles the other day about Mangenese (an important mineral) being very similar in make up to iron and the conclusion was that both minerals compete with one another. So when Iron is overloaded, it causes a deficiency in Mangenese and vice versa. It led me on to wonder if the same might be the case for other minerals such as Copper, Magnisium, Zinc, etc? I remember when I was first diagnosed with HH, I had also been tested for Copper, and the results were very low, although nothing was mentioned about any treatment for that at the time. Currently I'm deficient in Vitamin D and Folate (so far) but I suspect these are unrelated.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[radd]

Hi sleepyowl,

Welcome to our forum.

I have no idea about a direct connection between HH and vitamin/mineral deficiencies but it stands to reason that regular phlebotomy will not only reduce iron levels but everything thing else to. 😳

Elevated iron levels are so toxic, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn of negative consequences on other nutrients as a result.

I have thyroid issues as well, so supplement nutrients geared towards better thyroid hormone synthesis.

Low levels of Vit D & folate are very common. Have you had Vit B12 tested ?

[sleepyowl in reply to radd]

Hiya radd,

Thanks for the welcome and reply

I hadn't really considered the long term impact of venesections on minerals. I've never been deficient, pre HH diagnosis (excluding Vit D as not aware I've ever been tested before for that).

My recent blood test results came back as having quite a few things out of range or needing observation. I put that down to HH, but not entirely sure? Yes, I was tested for B12 and Folate at the same time, but the first one said the sample was hemolyzed and needed repeating. They did give an approximate reading for the B12, which was on the low side of normal, however the test said the result wasn't reliable. For some reason, my doc only requested a repeat of the folate. Should be getting a telephone call from docs on Thurs so will discuss then.

Is your thyroid stable now? Mine tends to fluctuate between borderline underactive to normal.

[radd in reply to sleepyowl]

sleepyowl,

Yes, my thyroid hormone levels are stable and I feel well.

Many people with low thyroid hormone suffer low stomach acid. Hence the malabsorption issues and consequent poor nutrient levels. Many also have low iron levels ... something we need never worry about ! .

[sleepyowl in reply to radd]

Glad to hear things are stable now, radd.

Yes, certainly don't need to worry about iron deficiency! I do think it's quite a shame them throwing out all our iron rich blood when many folks with iron deficient anaemia could benefit from it... seems like a waste to me.