I am returning to the RLS forum to find out if you think my iron regimen is working well? I just got my blood test results today. Prior to test I fasted and did not take my iron for 2 nights in a row.
-ferritin 49
-saturation 25%
-iron 74
TIBC- 293
On a positive note I am actually feeling much improved in the past 2-3 weeks as far much lessened frequency and intensity of my RLS. It’s not entirely gone (yet) but I’m hopeful since it’s much improved compared to 2 months ago. This encourages my to go on with my current daily intake. Would you agree?
thanks!
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Friend7
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You have improved it from 31 which is good, but you still have aways to go. If you are taking it every other day I would recommend taking it every day at night at the same time so it is at least 24 hours apart. I assume you know to take it with 100 mg or more of vitamin C or some orange juice to help its absorption. If you take magnesium or calcium take them at least 2 hours apart since they interfere with the absorption of iron. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron or if you do, take it in the morning and your iron at night. Also antacids interfere with its absorption. Take them at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking your iron tablets. If you take thyroid medicine don't take it within 4 hours. It takes several months for the iron tablets or iron infusion to slowly raise your ferritin. To speed up raising your ferritin which you want to be at least 100 you might want to ask for an iron infusion.
That's really great news. As your serum ferritin is still below 100, you should carry on taking your supplements. To raise levels faster, you could ask for an iv iron infusion. It would appear you will be in the 60% who show dramatic improvement after iron infusions.
Progress with oral iron is good, but it is a slow process. Further to Sue and Jools' replies: some doctors will only recommend iron infusions for anaemia, and if you can get it for RLS some medical insurers will only cover the cost if it is coded for anaemia not RLS.
I know you've tried magnesium: which type and dose did you try?
Have you eliminated other possible triggers for RLS? It wasn't until I got taken off statins, and cut back on sugary foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine etc that I got my RLS under control. (Others have different triggers, and some find that caffeine helps rather than hinders!)
Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.
That's a great supplement - already contains Vit. C and B6 (needed to help with neurotransmitter switch from Glutamate to GABA). Take it as directed away from food. Some of the negative comments on Amazon mention that it contains too much B12 producing gastro upset. if you experience this you can possibly switch to a different single ingredient Ferrous Bisglycinate (it's a patented formula, so they're all the same.)
Wonderful! It is great that you are making steady progress and have a plan that seems to be working. Any progress in dealing with RLS is a victory of sorts, and it is hopeful that you have seen success with your chosen plan. Just keep up the good work and enjoy feeling better, and continue to grow in your knowledge of things that help you feel better. Enjoy your progress!
Great! Can I also recommend Vitamin D. Vitamin helps iron absorption. It certainly helped raise my ferritin. There are a lot of studies that confirm Vitamin D can help RLS.
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