I have collected my blood test results and am looking for information before my g.p. follow up appointment tomorrow.I am under the impression that ferritin levels should be "optimum" in order for my B12 injections to work for pernicious anaemia.
Although I've been told all of my blood results are "normal", I note that my ferritin level is 13 ug/L and the range given is 13-150 ug/L.
Is this what is causing my fatigue and aches?
Is there a specific range for ferritin givenas a guideline for people with pernicious anaemia?
Written by
Suesue246
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Ferritin should be at least about 100 for everybody, PA or not, and yours is very low. Sadly most GPs don't see a problem with levels within range, but especially levels under 30 can make those symptoms you mention.
ferritinn is a protein that is generally a good indicator of iron status but if iron deficiency is suspected then the GP should do a a full iron panel to confirm.
symptoms of iron deficiniecy do overlap with B12 deficiency and someone with B12 absorption problems is likely to have problems absorbing other vitamins and minerals and the ones most commonly affected are folate and iron.
"optimal levels" isn't a medical phrase and can be a red herring. Normal ranges are averages but individuals are not averages so imposing an average "optimal" on individuals is problematic.
There isn't a direct link between how B12 is used in your cells and iron levels in your blood. Reality is more that to feel your best then everything needs to be at the right levels for you.
B12 can use up iron to make blood uncovering an iron deficiency. You should definitely be supplementing with iron as your ferritin is very low. Fatigue and aches is common with B12 deficiency. Not sure iron deficiency causes aches, but fatigue most certainly.
The g.p prescribed iron tablets for 3 months. When I asked if blood tests would be repeated at that point she said only if I still feel tired. I'm not happy with that. I think I need to know the numbers. Also if the iron tablets do "work" I'm sure levels will dip again if not monitored. At least for now I know my ferritin is low and is going to be treated. My other blood results were all fine.
My folate and ferritin were low but in range- when B12 deficiency first found and treated with injections. After the B12 loading injections (I was given 6 in a month but better to be a fortnight ), I was still experiencing problems: hair loss and bleeding gums for instance. My GP said that ferritin below 60 ug/L could be causing these symptoms. I was given folate and ferritin for 3 months.
Both folate and ferritin continued to be difficult to control for a couple of years. Although not my main problem, these were unstable and needed monitoring so that I could supplement/ stop supplementing as necessary.
My oral medicine consultant later told me that he would prefer my ferritin level to be 80 or above, which was not easy to do. This was because I had angular cheilitis ( sore, split and bleeding corners of my mouth) and burning piecrust tongue (this has now been explained as due to nerve damage). My latest ferritin result (without supplements) is 60 ug/L. Not bad !
Also vitamin D can be a problem - a Dexascan revealed that I had osteoporosis of the spine and so i get mine on prescription.
Worth getting all of these checked and monitored.
Any non-dietary b12 deficiency with neurological symptoms should be treated as per medical guidelines (NICE) - an injection every other day (EOD) until no more improvement can be gained. This can take quite a while. Nerve damage repairs slowly, and can depend on severity and longevity.
It is not advised that those with B12 deficiency with neurological symptoms be treated with tablets !
My ferritin was never down to 13 - mid-thirties was my lowest result, I think.
I don't have pernicious anaemia (PA) - I have functional B12 deficiency - and am not medically trained - this medical advice above is from my GP and my consultant, and so belongs to me and my condition.
What I do know is that 13 ug/L is very low for ferritin. [Reading many years of posts here has helped to determine that much.]
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Can someone advise me about my ferritin and folate levels please 
optimum ferritin levels?
Ferritin/Folate levels
ferritin levels dropping fast 
