Iron blood tests

[angelak398]

Is there somewhere that indicates a ‘good’ reading for an iron blood test? My doctor thinks mine is fine. I don’t have the test results handy but I have an appointment with her tomorrow and will get the results. In the interim, I would like to tell her what it should be. Thanks all!!

[SueJohnson]

For RLS ferritin should be over 100. Doctors will say it is normal when it is a lot less than that but what is normal for others in not normal for those of us with RLS. Transferrin Percentage (TSAT ) should be between 20 and 45. Less than 20 means you need an iron infusion. Greater than 45 means you should be careful because you don't want to risk hemochromatosis. If your ferritin is not over 100, post back here and we can advise you what to do.

[LotteM]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier, Angelak. The best reference is the updated guidelines in The Mayo Clinic Proceedings of Sept 2021:

mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

I hope this arrives in time.

[DicCarlson]

Iron test results info here...

bloodtestsresults.com/iron-...

[Aurora913]

My iron tests have always come back as normal. But I've had RLS for almost 60 years now. Iron always doesn't play a big role in it. It is so many things. I have to eat a LOT of potassium rich foods and that makes a big difference. I don't take any RLS meds as they either didn't work or they made me sick; some even gave me insomnia - that was not a big help. I take 3.5 mg of diazepam just to relax at bedtime. Also use progesterone cream, no alcohol, no caffeine, easy on the sugar intake. Also exercise some during the day; mostly walking.

[Boldgirl45 in reply to Aurora913]

I think this might be the problem though - the range is large at 15-150 (and I think pretty outdated). I've never considered iron to be the source of my issues because it's come back as 'normal' and doesn't flag up. As a result of this forum I am now wondering. (mine came back at 43 and much as I only have mild restless legs myself - my mum is the reason I am on here - they are getting worse and I also have thinning hair and mild hypothyroidism. I think nutritionists (who always seem ahead of the science) will say we should all be over 100.

[SueJohnson in reply to Boldgirl45]

For RLS it definitely needs to be over 100. It helps 60% of us with RLS and for some completely eliminates their symptoms. Since your ferritin is less than 75 take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Take it every other day preferably at night at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach. If you have problems with constipation switch to iron bisglycinate. Once your ferritin is between 75 and 100 or if your transferrin saturation (TSAT) was below 20, you may need an iron infusion since iron isn't absorbed as well above 75. If you take magnesium take it at least 2 hours apart since it interferes with the absorption of iron. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron. It takes several months for the iron tablets or iron infusion to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 8 weeks if you have an iron infusion or after 3 months if you are taking iron tablets.

[Boldgirl45 in reply to SueJohnson]

Sue thanks so much