Ferritin follow up

[ParisianTN55]

Per recommendations of Sue, Jools and others I contacted my Dr to request a Ferritin test. Haven’t heard back yet but I found labs that were done in 2019. My ferritin level was 34 at that time. Does anyone know if ferritin levels improve on their on or should I assume it is still low until I can get an updated test?

[SueJohnson]

not likely

[DicCarlson]

My Ferritin was 49 with severe RLS. Supplementation (Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate) raised it to 105 in 3 months. I haven't had RLS (mostly) in a few years. The last I checked it was in the 90s, and now I don't not take any supplements. I believe my low ferritin was an absorption problem due to gut problems.

[ParisianTN55 in reply to DicCarlson]

How much did you take daily? I ordered the supplement but its only 25 mg. I just got a call from my Drs. office. They are going to do a ferritin test today but advised me that I would have to sign a waiver because my insurance may not pay for it. They said it is not approved for RLS.

[DicCarlson in reply to ParisianTN55]

That's goofy. Leading RLS experts mostly agree that a leading cause of RLS is Brain Iron deficiency. That said - there is no way to measure brain iron so they rely on serum iron tests. Ferritin is the storage protein for iron and in the brain iron is intimately associated with dopamine. Most iron tests are inexpensive. The Ferrous Bisglycinate I took was 17mg. I "discovered" the iron connection by taking black strap molasses that I had read about as a home remedy. It immediately cut into the RLS then I discovered the Ferrous Bisglycinate. More links probiotic connection...

probi.com/media/dvlbarae/lp...

[DesertOasis in reply to ParisianTN55]

Hi Paris, have you had any luck with the ferrous bisglycinate?

[SueJohnson]

I'm going to assume your ferritin hasn't changed so will give you my usual advice: take two tablets of 325 mg of ferrous sulfate or 75 mg to 100 mg 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 your transferrin saturation is below 20, you may need an iron infusion.

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. 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. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months if you are taking iron tablets.

[ParisianTN55]

Thanks again!