Hi, I've just managed to get my GP to take a full iron blood test and the results are as follows, are these ok or do I need to take iron supplements. Sorry I have no idea what any of these mean and the GP has said they are all normal!
Serum Ferriin: 142.8 ug/L
Transferrin Saturation index 32%
Serum iron Level 16 umol/L
Serum transferrin 1.9g/l
Many thanks in advance
Your serum ferritin is good at 142, but could go up to 200s with correct supplementation.
See Sue Johnson's replies to many posts on this site.
Yes. Your serum iron needs to be above 60ųg/L for RLS.If your GP will not prescribe ferrous fumerate to take once every other day, you can buy ferrous Bisglycinate (gentle iron) from any pharmacy or Holland &Barrett.
RLS-UK has a printable iron therapy page you can show to your GP. Scroll down the page.
If taking ferrous bisglycinate for around 6 months doesn't raise serum iron above 60ug, you can push for an iron infusion but the NHS often refuses so you may need to pay privately at the Iron Clinic in Harley Street. You send a copy of your blood test results and they charge around £800.
I've given this to you before but it won't hurt repeating it.
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. Also take Lactobacillus plantarum 299v as it also helps its absorption.
Take it every other day as more is absorbed that way, 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 (or magnesium rich foods), calcium (or calcium rich foods) 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.
Iron stores
Blood results
Iron profile 
Blood test results 
Blood Test results
