Iron studies blood test results

[Scubaholic]

Hi thereMy results are all in normal range but I remember being told that that doesn't mean the are high enough levels if brain iron so would appreciate feedback on my levels:

All units microgm\l

Ferritin 77

Iron. 28

Transferrin 2.46

Transferrin saturation 45%

Total iron binding capacity 62

Many thanks

[Madlegs1]

You need to get your ferritin up to 100 and preferably over 200.

Read up on various replies to this common situation on this site.

Good luck.

[SueJohnson in reply to Madlegs1]

Your transferrin saturation is on the borderline of being high. You want it to be between 20 and 45%.,

Your Total iron binding capacity seems low but you need to compare it to the information that states what that lab’s normal reference range is.

Your ferritin could stand improvement. If you take blood thinners, iron binds with blood thinners, potentially reducing the effectiveness.of the blood thinners and of the iron so check with your doctor. Otherwise, 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.

[Scubaholic in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks very much Sue. Can I ask what your medical qualifications/ other qualifications are to advise here?- in case the GP is not familiar with health unlocked etc and resists giving me iron supplements...Also what do I do about the transferring saturation?- or will that respond to iron supplements.

[SueJohnson in reply to Scubaholic]

I don't have any medical qualifications. I went through what many others did. I augmented on ropinirole and was then put on gabapentin and my symptoms are now completely controlled. I am retired and decided to learn everything I could about RLS and pay it forward by helping others.

As far as convincing your doctor print out the appropriate section of the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which is the bible on RLS and which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[Scubaholic in reply to SueJohnson]

That's great Sue, thanks. And good for you- really appreciate your hard work and help 🙂

[davchar23 in reply to SueJohnson]

Dear Sue,

You do a fantastic job on RLS and much appreciated in UK. I wondered if you could comment on buprenorphine and side effects. i have been exchanging information and receiving great support from 707 twitcher on this subject but we seem to have reached a dead end.

Basically buprenorphine (low dose of tablets & patches) have successfully blocked my RLS but i have to accept a lot of gut reaction, which i tend to call nausea, during sleeping hours. There does not seem to be any difference between patches & tablets in terms of the nausea

Have you any experience of this? I take iron bisglycinate daily and stopping this did not change the gut side effects

My GP has prescribed Zofran but I am reluctant to take it because of the anxiety side effect.

Kind regards

Davchar

[SueJohnson in reply to davchar23]

I have no personal experience with buprenorphine. However I did take zofran after surgery and had no anxiety and it worked perfectly for my nausea, although I only took it for a short while. Actually researching it, it helps anxiety.

[SueJohnson in reply to Scubaholic]

You don't need to convince your doctor. You can buy them OTC.

[Scubaholic in reply to SueJohnson]

Even better!!