Continuous low ferritin levels

[skyesonia]

Hello

For several years now, I've been in a cycle of symptoms of anaemia, which blood tests have proved to be the case. Treatment has been doses of iron, which up my haemoglobin and ferritin levels - and investigations to rule out bowel and gastro cancers. All clear.

In March 2017 my blood test showed a drop in ferritin levels to 17 (from 40 on the 3x210 mg iron) but because of a decrease in the lower end of the range I was not yet anaemic!! The new figures are 15 – 300 instead of 30 – 400. My results classified at lower end of normal. Advised to book a blood test in 3 months. Spend the next 2 months eating more red meat than I have ever eaten. As I felt that I was starting to experience mild anaemia type symptoms, I requested a blood test one month early in May.

Results of this blood test showed I was anaemic as my ferritin level was 10 and haemoglobin was 25.4 (range 27 – 32). Advised by doctor to resume taking ferrous fumarate at rate of 210mg twice a day for 5 – 6 weeks. Then to go onto lower dose SpaTone for 3 months and then book a blood test.

The results of this blood test show that my ferritin is 'normal' at 18 (range 15 - 300) and so is my mean corpuscular haemoglobin at 27.6 (range 27 - 32). I do feel ok but not as energy filled as I was when my ferritin was at 40.

Is it ok for one to have continuously low levels of ferritin? I know the doctor would say my levels are normal but I'm not convinced. I'm scared of being in a cycle where I continuously become anaemic and then it goes up and bit and then down which I can't help think is healthy.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Thanks

skyesonia

[Clutter]

Skyesonia,

Ferritin is optimal halfway through range. I would supplement 2 x 210mg Ferrous Fumarate until ferritin is 150 and then reduce to 1 x 210mg tablet to maintain the level. It can take months, even years to raise Ferritin. Have blood tests every 6 months. Take each tablet with 1,000mg vitamin C to aid absorption and minimise constipation. Take iron 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

[skyesonia in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for all the information. I feel happier knowing that it takes a long time for ferritin levels to increase. I'll follow your suggestions and together with eating more liver, look forward to an increasing (although slowly) ferritin level.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Have you tried eating liver regularly, not just red meat. I don't eat any 'red meat' but just eating lamb's liver once a week raised my ferritin level - used to be 35, most recent test 119.

[skyesonia in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for the reply. I do eat liver but not weekly...I'm going to start doing that though! I hope it works for me, too.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to skyesonia]

I hope so too I was eating about 140g in one meal per week. Don't have more than 200g a week due to the high Vit A content of liver. Enjoy!!!