Iron vs. Ferritin - do we need both optimal to feel best?

[AnnaSo]

Hi all,

My latest lab results showed the following;

IRON - 153 (50-170)

FERRITIN - 37 (10-204)

So my iron is fine but ferritin very low. Is that still a problem? Do we need both ferritin and iron to be high in order to feel best?

To be fair I never had to think about it cos both were always low for me 😆 I’m surprised with such low Ferritin as I have been taking Ferrograd that has been working well for me the last two years.

I have been feeling bit sluggish lately, I have a bit low Vit D, thyroid panel all great, all other vitamins top range. But I also have a cranky teething one year old at home who doesn’t want to sleep at night so go figure 😁

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

AnnaSo

We don't need either to be top of range.

Recommended level for serum iron is 55% - 70% (higher end for males).

Recommended level for ferritin is half way through range.

From what a search shows each tablet of Ferrograd C contains 105mg of elemental iron, that is more than a prescribed iron tablet which usually has about 65mg elemental iron.

The Ferrograd has probably increased your serum iron level but it doesn't necessarily mean that your ferritin level will increase. Ferritin is your iron store - a blood protein that stores iron.

I manage to improve my ferritin level, without it affecting my serum iron level, by eating liver once every 7-10 days, approx 140g per meal. However, I'm not saying everyone will be the same but it works for me.

[AnnaSo in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Susie,

That’s why I am a bit confused here... since taking Ferrograd used to increase my ferritin levels. Don’t quite get why it is so low if I’m supplementing 🤷🏼‍♀️ any why iron is high and ferritin low. Also I am not getting my usual low ferritin symptoms- out of breath when walking up the stairs/hills, heart palps. Confused.

[AnnaSo in reply to SeasideSusie]

I should have said optimal in my title 🙂 will edit.

[humanbean]

IRON - 153 (50-170) approx 86% of the way through the range

FERRITIN - 37 (10-204) approx 14% of the way through the range

You don't need either iron or ferritin to be high in range.

For info on optimal levels of iron and ferritin :

rt3-adrenals.org/Iron_test_...

For many people an optimal ferritin level is mid-range, but some need it a little bit higher.

I'd say your iron is a bit too high and your ferritin is too low :

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

Getting ferritin to a good level is important - for example :

cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/184/11...

And from personal experience I know that low ferritin can cause dreadful cramp and restless legs. Note : shortages of other minerals can add to these issues too e.g. low magnesium, potassium, sodium.

[AnnaSo in reply to humanbean]

Hi humanbean,

I am aware of this information, and aware my ferritin is too low. What I am trying to understand why is my iron high when my ferritin is low even though I’m supplementing. I also don’t currently have my usual low ferritin symptoms - out of breath walking up the hill or stairs, heart palpitations.

My question is do we need ferritin high when iron is adequate since ferritin only functions an iron storage? Following this logic, if iron is adequate why would we need ferritin stores to be mid/high as well?

[humanbean in reply to AnnaSo]

Several suggestions for the cause of high iron and low ferritin have been given on this link :

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[I'm not a fan of STTM generally but a few pages have some useful info.]

I know there are some people on the forum who improved their B12 and folate and found their high iron reduced and their ferritin improved, which was a pleasant surprise for them. But it was a while ago and I didn't keep any links. I think it had something to do with an MTHFR problem which is very common.

As for keeping ferritin high, I don't think this is a good idea. I would suggest mid-range is fine for most people. A few more may need it a bit higher. But it has just occurred to me to wonder what you mean by "high ferritin" and "high iron"?

[AnnaSo in reply to humanbean]

I have had a look however these do not apply to be since my iron levels are due to taking a high dose iron supplement not health condition. What I don’t get is why ferritin is not rising this time I’m taking it 😄 it was the case previously, both iron ferritin would increase. I’ve been battling anaemia for a long time.

I should add I had B12 and folate checked and these are optimal so 🤷🏼‍♀️ 😄