Iron and PCV

[JeanieRN]

Hi,

My iron level is 11. My last HCT is 43.9 on 100 mcgs of Besremi every 2 weeks. Should I avoid foods containing iron? Thank you!

Jeanie

[Orangeboykitty]

I was told not to take iron supplements but foods containing iron are OK. Iron supplements are like eating 10 steaks, so unless you intend to eat 10 steaks, don't worry.

[mark382]

I was told to eat a balanced diet. Ideally not eat steak and spinach every night. My iron levels are usually between 3 and 5. HCT was 46, but just had venesection and another due in 2 weeks. PV for 14 years and on Aspirin.

[Anag]

look at the foods with the highest iron content, like liver, etc and better to avoid them. Too much iron is also not good. Check also your ferritin (iron storage). Iron is just the iron circulating in the blood. 🙂

[hunter5582]

You have to look at all of your iron panel numbers along with your erythrocyte measures from the CBC to properly interpret your iron status. Suggest reviewing that with your care team.

Regarding foods, suggest just eating a healthy diet. Many of us rely on a Mediterranean Diet due to its anti-inflammatory impact. It is also just a healthy and tasty way to eat. More emphasis on plant-based over animal-based nutrition is a good idea. Iron is actually not easily absorbed from food, especially plant-based iron. A healthy PV diet can certainly include some iron-rich foods in a reasonable amount. As Orangeboykitty suggests, that is not 10 steaks a day.

All the best.

[Meatloaf9]

Hi, my mpn specialist recommended the mediterranean diet if I wanted a specific diet. He also said it was unlikely that we could eat enough food containing iron to make a difference. I have PV. Best to you.