Iron panel test results

[Davidbaldbloke]

Hi,

Had RL for about 8 years approx, 61 age now (male).

The main results I have found on line form the test from my GP is:-

Serum ferritin 89

Serum iron 19

Serum transferrin 2.5

Serum transferrin % saturation 30

I wonder if anyone can comment on this ie good, bad terrible etc?

Thank you

David

[SueJohnson]

Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms.

Take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate which contains 65 mg of elemental iron, the normal amount used to increase ones ferritin, or 50 mg to 75 mg (which is elemental iron) of iron bisglycinate with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Ferrous sulfate is fine for most people, but if you have problems with constipation, iron bisglycinate is better. 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 take magnesium, calcium or zinc, even in a multivitamin take them at least 2 hours apart since they interfere with the absorption of iron. Also antacids interfere with its absorption so should be taken at least 4 hours before the iron or at least 2 hours after. Don't take your iron tablets before or after exercise since inflammation peaks after a workout, 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. 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 3 months.

[Davidbaldbloke in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue. I will give it a try as per your advice. Thanks

[Davidbaldbloke in reply to SueJohnson]

Sue, I have been taking 20mg of gentle iron (ferrous bisglycinate) from Holland and Barrett (in the UK) . Taking 20mg as it says one a day with a meal. However from your advice I have been taking not nearly enough and also I have had it after breakfast and coffee and tea so probably made it ineffective. Do you think I could take 3 of these but as per your advice above? Thanks in advance

.

[SueJohnson in reply to Davidbaldbloke]

Yes

[Munroist in reply to Davidbaldbloke]

The bottle says do not exceed the stated dose. Below is the NHS standard advice which is similar.

nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-....

Your ferritin is not high at 89 but also it's not the lowest. I have raised my ferritin from 71 to 171 by taking the standard dose but otherwise, as Sue says, away from food and at night with vitamin C so it's possible to increase ferritin at the normal dose. If you feel you need more then it might be best to check with your doctor.

[SueJohnson in reply to Munroist]

60 mg of ferrous bisglycinate is OK. Ferrous sulfate which is often recommended has 65 mg of elemental iron.

[Davidbaldbloke in reply to SueJohnson]

Interesting and thanks Sue. Monroist is right about the UK NHS guidelines but I'd take your judgement on iron supplements in regard to restless legs. I will take 60mg every other day as directed and see how things go. Thanks again.

[Joolsg]

As serum iron is below 60 and serum ferritin below 100, & %saturation below 48, you can safely take supplements.As SueJohnson says, raising serum ferritin will help improve RLS for the vast majority.

[Davidbaldbloke in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you!