Low Iron

[frranny]

I was diagnosed with pernitious anaemia a year ago and have had regular B12 injections. I also have RA and take MTX and other RA medication, + Vit D and calcium and folic acid.  I've just been told my iron levels are down - is this normal

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

There may be some useful info on these websites.

pernicious-anaemia-society.... 01656 769 717

b12deficiency.info/

b12d.org/

martynhooper.com/

[fbirder]

PA means that you have autoimmune gastric atrophy, your immune system attacks some of the cells in your stomach. These cells make Intrinsic Factor, which is needed to absorb B12. They also make hydrochloric acid, so a lack of these cells means low stomach acid. 

Iron absorption works much better in an acid environment, so it's not surprising that you have low iron, especially if your diet is deficient in iron.if you are given iron supplements then you should take them with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as this greatly helps absorption.