test results for iron?

[hk8654]

hi, i have been cheched for anemia resulsts came in as.

serum folate- 10.9ng/ml

serum iron- 40.7ug/l

doctor said it was completely normal but after reading online it says otherwise. I'm confused and need your opinions. also was i meant to have ferritin checked also?

i also saw that you need to not eat anything 12hours before, well the doctor never told me that as i think i had breakfast before.

[Hidden]

Hi, to relieve your confusion.

Anaemia is a general term to cover conditions affecting the ability of blood to carry oxygen.

There are many conditions that cause anaemia.

A lack of vitamin B12 and folate can cause a type of anaemia called "macrocytic". Some people also have it congenitally in which case it's known as "pernicious".

It's the B12 that's the main factor. I would be surprised if you didn't have a test for that too. What was your B12 level?

In addition a lack of B12 can affect nerves and in some cases cause RLS symptoms.

So can a lack of vitamin D.

Serum iron is a test for a different type of anaemia called "iron deficiency anaemia". However I would be surprised if you didn'thave a test for haemoglobin, a more common test for anaemia.

However, unfortunately your doctor, like many may be quite ignorant about RLS.

Iron deficiency in itself, is a major causative factor in RLS. Simply put, this means you should have had a test for ferritin . If you did and you were told it was "normal" or "OK" then this shows an ignorance of RLS. Any level above 12ug/L is "normal" however for somebody with RLS it would be better if was at least 100 and ideally over 200.

Iron deficiency can occur even in the absence of any anaemia.

This means if your ferritin is less than 75 it would be a good idea to start taking an oral iron supplement.

Here's some information about this.

sciencedirect.com

I hope this makes things clearer.

[hk8654 in reply to Hidden]

Hi yes my serum b12 is 761 ng/l and my haemoglobin is 158 g/l I have a full blood count. I’ve heard you can get Haemochromatosis for too much iron I’m nervous about this if taking high supplements?

How much iron should I take?

I didn’t have a ferritin test nor was told to fast. Stupid doctors

will I need to have another test for ferritin and not eat before hand.

Thanks harry really appreciate your advice

[Hidden in reply to hk8654]

Assuming you DO have RLS, I didn't ask. If you've not had a ferritin test yet, it is actually the most significant test for somebody with RLS.

Your B12 and Haemoglobin results show you have neither iron deficiency anaemia or macrocytic anaemia.

Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition which causes iron overload. You can't get it if you weren't born with it.

It is impossible to get iron overload by taking iron orally. This is becasue there is a hormone that prevents the over-absorption of iron. In Haemochromatosis this hormone is lacking.

The only way to possibly to get overload is if you have an IV iron infusion. The risk of this can be assessed.

Take no iron and fast before having the ferritin test.

If you live in the UK you may find this link helpful.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/rest...

I hope you're aware that an underactive thyroid can contribute to RLS.

[hk8654 in reply to Hidden]

very helpful thanks, i will get my ferritin, thyroid, vitamin d, folate tested by thriva. is there anything else i should get tested for like magnesium maybe

[Hidden in reply to hk8654]

By all means magnesium could be helpful too.

[DicCarlson]

Iron tests information... bloodtestsresults.com/iron-...

[WideBody in reply to DicCarlson]

That is a excellent and informative website! I went to bookmark it and saw that I already had. Thanks for reminding me.