iron tests

[Tennis52]

my iron blood tests results are as follows :

Ferritin =73. ng/ml

Folic acid =11.3 ng/ml

Iron =113. ug/dl

Do I need to take iron supplement. ? For aching/ restless legs at night.

I will be grateful for recommendations

[SueJohnson]

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

[Tennis52 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks for your valuable reply.

I’m taking a turmeric capsule every other day. Should I stop it when I take iron. ?

I’m also taking a statin( ezytamibe) and a small dose of nebivolol( beta blocker) every other day.

I also take magnesium and fish oil supplements.

[SueJohnson in reply to Tennis52]

You could take tumeric on the days you aren't taking iron which makes it perfect since you alternate days on each.

Statins make RLS worse. Nexlizet (Nustendi (UK) is a cholesterol lowering drug that is not a statin, but I don’t know if it exacerbates RLS symptoms. Ezetimibe (Zetia) reduces cholesterol although it doesn't reduce cholesterol as fast as the statins, but according to Chris Columbus it didn't trigger his RLS. And then there are Triglide (Fenofibrate, Fibricor, Lipantil, Lipofen, Supralip) and Bezafibrate (Bezalip) which are not statins which seem safe. You might want to discuss these with your doctor. A more difficult way to reduce cholesterol is to go vegan. My husband lowered his cholesterol from 221 to 131 this way.

If you take gabapentin or pregabalin you should be closely monitored as it can raise the bad LDL and lower the good HDL

Your beta blocker causes RLS to get worse for some. Some medicines that are safe for high blood pressure are propranolol (Inderal, Hemangeol, InnoPran) a beta blocker that may help RLS, Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monoket, Imdur) which is not a beta blocker nor calcium channel blocker. Other possibilities are: Clonidine (Catapres) an Alpha-2-Agonist used to treat high blood pressure which may help RLS and which also treats insomnia, tenex (Guanfacine, Intuniv), prazosin (Minipress) an alpha-adrenergic blocker that is also useful in managing sleep-related problems caused by PTSD and Tadalafil a vasodilator that in one study completely eliminated RLS. Discuss these with your doctor. And then there is reducing salt by 1 teaspoon a day nih.gov/news-events/nih-res....

[Tennis52 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you sue. Much appreciated.

[Bernaldi in reply to Tennis52]

For the statin, I suggest that you research the difference between absolute risk reduction and relative risk reduction for statins in particular. You might change your mind about its benefits. There is a lot of information out there that is not given to apparently either doctors (who should be competent enough to find out anyway) or patients. A simple search on those terms will give you food for thought.

[Joolsg]

Your ferritin is in the level where experts recommend an iron infusion. It's hard to get one though.Where are you? Your bio doesn't name country.

Here in the UK, there are a few haematology departments that are aware of the benefits of iron infusions for RLS, and they will arrange infusions on the NHS. Otherwise, private care is available via the Iron Clinic in London or Manchester.

What medications are you currently taking, including OTCs?

[Dreamaforever]

my iron levels are fine. What else could be v the problem for RLS

[SueJohnson in reply to Dreamaforever]

What is your ferritin? Doctors will say your iron levels and even your ferritin is OK but what is OK for others isn't OK for those of us with RLS.

Are you taking any medicines for your RLS?

Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise.

Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, C, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

[Tennis52 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue.

I’m not taking any Medecines for RLS.

I’m taking a beta blocker ( anlternate days) and a statin. (Ezita).

I’m also taking following supplements:

Magnesium, fish oil ,vitamin D,multivitamin and turmeric. Not all together everyday , some alternate days.