Hi All
I had my ferrittin level back from my GP yesterday and it is 32, My hair has thinned over the past 2 years and looks dreadful so I asked for these levels to be checked. My question is does anyone know if this level is acceptable and if not why and what can I do to make it better, TIA...
Hi sos1965
You and i have written a similar post this morning. My ferritin level is poor like yours and i am supplementing ferrous fumarate 210mcg 3 times a day with vitamin C to improve my levels. The range for ferritin results is so vast! i wish i was somewhere nearer the high end then i think i would feel a lot better.
Your GP is likely to say your ferritin level is OK.
Two reasons for this:
1. Some GPs only look at ranges and if your level is within the range which it is then you are fine.
2. Some GPs with more knowledge recognise a higher level is needed. Unfortunately that higher level starts at 30.
Trichologists, a few are dermatologists but most are hair stylists or wig makers, say you need a higher level of 70-80 for optimal hair health.
sos1965 If your GP isn't prescribing iron supplements then just buy them yourself. You can get what is normally prescribed Ferrous Fumarate, as Ic1973 mentions, from most chemists or online. Or if you get tummy upset or constipation from that you could get the more gentle Ferrous Bisglycinate which is supposed to be non-constipating - Solgar Gentle Iron is one.
Always take iron supplements with 1000mg Vit C to aid absorption and to help prevent constipation and always 4 hours away from your thyroid meds.
Ferritin is low and that could well be the cause of hair loss. Gluten and other food sensitivities are also associated with hair loss and malabsorption of nutrients.
My ferritin was 48 ug/L when last tested, so I've sought iron supplements. Is that adequate?
It depends on the range that the lab has given you. Most people feel best when the levels are nearer to the middle of the range
NB it can take several weeks for levels to improve and then it takes a further few weeks for symptoms to improve.
Take the iron at the same time as Vit C as this will help absorption. But do not take at the same time as Thyroxin
Thank you every one for your replies, I have taken your advice on board, I have already started to take multi vits with iron, fingers crossed.....
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