Stopping Iron supplements before a TBIC, Ferritin, Iron blood test

[bessygo]

I have been taking 15mg of a liquid Iron (Genestra - ferric pyrophosphate) to try and raise my Ferritin level of 33 (20-288) . My iron is in good range: 121 (46-160). I have no idea what my Total Iron Binding Capacity (TBIC) is but am getting all 3 checked soon. (I am not fatigued, but have had thinning hair in front and sides and adjusted thyroid meds have not helped over the years). I don't eat much red meat or fortified cereals, etc. since I'm gluten free.

How long should I wait to get Irons retested? is 6 weeks enough?

And do I need to stop Iron supplements including any multi-vitamins prior to testing? How many days should I stop supplementing? Have researched like crazy but can't find definitive answers. Some say not to stop supplements if I'm just getting Ferritin checked but I'm getting TBIC, Ferritin and Iron. Thanks to you all! This is the best support group ever.

[Jennywren7]

I never found a definite answer to this either, but I come off supplements for a week before the blood test. Possibly overkill but I’d rather know the true value of where I am

[bessygo in reply to Jennywren7]

Thanks...this has been impossible to find out. Some say 5 days prior. but I am on a highly absorbable liquid Iron : Ferric Pyrophospate . Waiting, waiting for functional dr to call me back......

[Jennywren7 in reply to bessygo]

Will be interesting to see what they say. I’m not sure anyone knows the definitive answer!

[McPammy]

Have you had T3,T4 and TSH bloods done recently as well as your iron. Are you on Levothyroxine alone. Do you take T3 medication.

I too have an iron deficiency and have trouble increasing it.

[bessygo in reply to McPammy]

Yes. I ve posted all that before.

[McPammy in reply to bessygo]

Was just trying to help

[bessygo in reply to McPammy]

sure, no prob. thanks.

[Fruitandnutcase]

When I’ve had thyroid bloods don’t privately they always say to stop B vitamins for a week before. I just stop any supplements I’m taking fir at least a week.

[bessygo]

How long should I wait before resting ferritin? Starting iron supplementation in June 14. Is 6 weeks too soon?

[Jennywren7 in reply to bessygo]

I’ve been doing mine every 2 months

[bessygo]

Just got off phone with functional dr and also hair specialist. Both said it can take a few months to get Ferritin up; so wait 60-90 days before getting retested. That makes sense. However, she said I don't have to stop the iron prior to testing; have read conflicted advice on that !

[vocalEK]

I can understand stopping the B vitamins because most contain Biotin. Biotin is used in some of the tests that the lab performs, so the results can be off. I can't think of a good reason to stop any other supplement, but I am open to being enlightened.