Iron stores

[Cara95]

Good morning

I am in South Africa and see that the measurements for the different iron/ferritin levels are in another format. Does anyone know how to convert these in order for me to make sense of the advice given on this blog? For instance, it is mentioned that Serum Ferritin should be above 100. My question is above 100 what? These measurements are ug/L. Anyone?

S-Iron (9 - 30.4 umol/L) 4.7

S-Transferrin (1.9 - 3.8 g/L) 2.8

S-TIBC (45 - 76 umol/L) 64

S-% TS (15 - 45 %) 7

S-Ferritin (15 - 204 ug/L) 12

[Madlegs1]

No difference.

Your ferritin level is extremely low.

Search for raising ferritin and follow the instructions.

Bear in mind that raising iron levels only benefits about 50% of sufferers.

Good luck.

[Cara95 in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you so much. I misunderstood.

[SueJohnson]

ug/L is how they measure ferritin and yours is extremely low at 12 as is your transferritin percentage at 7%. You need an iron infusion. It is advised anytime your transferrin percentage is below 20%. Your result on both is below even normal values, let alone what is needed for RLS. You want your ferritin to be above 100. With such low values it looks like you have anemia and your doctor should explore what the cause is.

[Cara95 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks so much. I am having an infusion next week, but the differences seemed so extreme I thought you were using another form of measurement. If only this will help with the RLs.

[SueJohnson in reply to Cara95]

It helps 60% of people with RLS. That's good that you are getting an iron infusion. So many doctors won't recommend an infusion. With your values so low it is likely you will need more than one. It takes several months for the iron infusion to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after after 8 weeks if you have an iron infusion. Be sure for your test to stop taking any iron supplements including multivitamins that have iron in them 48 hours before the test, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning.

[Cara95 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks for you comprehensive response. It is much appreciated.