Iron overload

[Justiina]

I know it's not technically thyroid problem per se but as iron is related to thyroid I hope people know more about iron.

Last summer I had iron panel, can't remember all numbers but I will dig them up if necessary.

Ferritin was 31 (10-291)

Serum iron was on high end the range but not over range.

Transferrin was in the middle of the range, but saturation was 54%.

I assumed it's not bad as ferritin was low but just listened to one podcast saying it's not about ferritin at all and it will eventually rise because of oxidative stress. But iron overload is about malfunction in binding process so you do not store the iron.

So how is it ? My functional doc suspect mistake in the test as I was tested at 11 am even though instructions says it's too late and serum iron would be highest. I had fasted but long line at the lab.

My GP gives me the blank stare not understanding the test at all.

I guess I have two options, either demand retest or pay it by myself which I find wrong in this case.

My lab also states that high transferrin saturation can be related to hypothyroidism. Have not found much other info about that ?

Would appreciate any ideas/information if anyone knows anything about this.

[humanbean]

This link may give you some ideas :

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

If you haven't seen this link before, it is helpful :

rt3-adrenals.org/Iron_test_...

Optimal level for ferritin is usually around mid-range, which is around 150 with the range you've provided. BUT your saturation is quite a bit higher than optimal, and you say your serum iron is high in range, so I would suggest avoiding iron supplementing.

[Justiina in reply to humanbean]

Yeah had not been taken any iron for two years before that test. My functional doctor was convinced it was a mistake as the serum iron is highest around the time I was tested. I have no idea and now that I listened to that podcast I started to question it and not sure what to do as so many tests seem to come back weird and GP doesn't care.

Thanks for the link, good information.

[Justiina in reply to humanbean]

Oh well I do have compound heterozygous MTHFR, that is interesting indeed. No common genes for hematocromosis.

[humanbean in reply to Justiina]

Some people with MTHFR problems who also have low B12 and/or low folate find that they can improve their iron, ferritin and other minerals by improving their B12 and folate levels.

With MTHFR problems the methylation cycle stops working, and fixing low folate and B12 helps many people get the methylation cycle going again which then helps with various mineral problems including iron and ferritin. If the methylation cycle has failed then B12 and folate need to be supplemented in their already methylated form i.e. methylcobalamin and methylfolate.

As an experiment you could try a supplement called adenosylcobalamin in addition to methylcobalamin. Adenosylcobalamin is an active form of B12 which is also called Dibencozide. It can be bought on Amazon and probably other supplement sites too.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeno...

Apparently some people who have MTHFR problems have to start taking methylfolate in very small doses then build up to a higher dose, because lots of bodily processes that have got "backed up" as a result of the MTHFR problem get some unpleasant symptoms when the cycle starts up again, although the side effects do wear off once the body catches up.

A more sophisticated (and expensive) protocol for MTHFR issues can be found here :

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/CFS_-_T...

I can't help any further - MTHFR problems are not my forte!

[Justiina in reply to humanbean]

Thanks.

I know a bit about the mthfr but learned some new things from Myhill's site you linked.

I am on cyanocobalamin injections and when it works it works perfect. Maybe I have drained methylation cycle by not taking care of co-factors like folate.

Worth to try if fixing co-factors would help with iron. Maybe that would also normalize weird thyroid.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Justiina]

You may find this interesting

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[Syddy]

Hi Justina, I have haemochromatosis. If ferritin levels are high you need to be diagnosed. Then sent for venesections (take blood) . High iron is like anemia, more or less same symptons. Especially exhaustion. Then all mixed up with the thyroid, its a lot to deal with. Try to avoid foods containing iron. Good luck

[Justiina in reply to Syddy]

Yeah I have been very exhausted but the problem is I have low B12 -> injections, thyroid all over , low leukocytes and MS on top of that. All causing exhaustion.

I don't specifically eat a lot of food high in iron so won't be a problem. I eat meat every day but not a lot.

I better demand retest to be sure was it a lab mistake or am I developing hematocromosis. I assume my heavy periods are blessing if to it is hematocromosis.

[Justiina]

Yeah, never taken iron in pill form , only floradix two years ago when I had normal iron panel except low ferritin.

[Syddy]

Hi Justiina,

Apologies for the v.late reply. First time I have visited website in a long time.

I hope that you managed to get your ferritin level's checked. Hopefully you are not too exhausted anymore.

Try not to eat too much red meat. The rate of iron absorption is 20-30%. Twice a week should be okay. Breakfast cereals are heavily fortified with iron; be cautious eating it. Avoid it if you can.

Jane