Blood Test results

[Rameau]

Hi

Having finally got broadband working again I was able to check my blood test results. They included:

Serum Iron: 25.2 umol/L [range 10.6 - 28.3]

Serum transferrin: 2.42 g/L [range 2.02 - 3.63]

Serum ferritin level: 70 ng/ml [range 30 - 400]

Transferrin saturation index : 42%

Blood tests for neuropathy (re: hot feet sensation triggering RLS) - Serum folate level and Serum vitamin B12 level - were negative.

Overall conclusion of my GP was that the results were "satisfactory".

My plan is to increase my iron intake by using Iron Bisglycinate (which I hope will avoid constipation). The question is what is the correct dose. (previously I had been experimenting with 40mg/daily for a few weeks - which I stopped taking 48 hours before the blood test - but not convinced it made much difference over that short term).

Any advice welcomed.

[SueJohnson]

The 40 mg is fine. take your iron tables 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 or tea and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee or tea since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach and the tannins in coffee and tea limit absorption. If you want to take them every day, do so at the same time so they are 24 hours apart. If you take magnesium, calcium or zinc 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 at least take it in the morning if you take your iron at night. Also antacids interfere with the absorption so should be taken at least 4 hours before the iron or at least 2 hours after. If you take thyroid medicine don't take it within 4 hours. It takes several months for the iron tablets to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after after 3 months.

[Rameau in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue. I will switch from decaf coffee to red bush tea and set myself a reminder to take the iron at 10pm every other day.

[Dires in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue

I get a bit confused with the ferrous bisglycinate doses. I am taking 20mg alternate nights (25mg not available in uk). You have ok’d 40mg daily with Rameau, should I therefore be taking a higher dose? A 14mg tablet is available with recommended dose of two tablets daily = 28 mg.

[SueJohnson in reply to Dires]

He was already taking 40 mg so I said it was fine, but that is more than is needed. The 20 mg is fine. You could take two 14 mg tablets if you want.

[Joolsg]

It can take months to get your ferritin levels above 100, preferably 200.If levels don't increase over the next few months, you can push for an iron infusion.