I'm told that my iron is fine or that the ferritin should be closer to 50. Would supplementing iron be wise if the total iron is 133? I'm supplementing with methyl B12/folate and have brought those levels up to optimal ranges. They were low at the time of these iron results. Should I retest the iron since bringing up B12 and folate levels? Do you think low B12/folate would have affected my iron? Would trying to bring up ferritin with supplements just push my iron higher?
Iron, total 133 40-190 mcg/dl
Iron binding capacity 276 250-450 mcg/dl
% saturation 48 High 16-45%
Ferritin 47 16-154 ng/ml
Transferrin 200 188-341
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jrbarnes
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Out of interest you could retest iron panel, I haven't found improving B vitamin levels increased my ferritin level.
I'm told that my iron is fine or that the ferritin should be closer to 50.
Who told you that your Ferritin should be closer to 50? It's only just below that now. I have read that for a male 150 is a good level. The range for your Ferritin is a lot narrower than we normally see for males, it's usually about 30-400.
The rest of your iron panel is good and taking iron tablets will push serum iron too high. You only need to increase Ferritin and probably the best way is to eat liver weekly, no more than 200g per week due to it's high Vit A content.
I'm female. I updated my profile to reflect that. I'm in the US if that means anything, perhaps the reference is different. edit* I'll give the liver a try if I can locate it at my local grocery....not that I'm too fond of it
If you’re still having monthly periods it’s ok to supplement but if you’re in or approaching menopause I’ve been told by my doctor to be prudent with the dosages. I’ve lived in the US and UK, now in France. Each country has different views on ideal iron level.
Many people with hypothyroidism have to improve low ferritin levels to help transport their iron to the right places but you have enough iron evidenced by your ‘total’ and ‘saturation’ levels. Supplementing additional iron or ferritin will elevate levels too high and could be toxic.
I don’t think raising folic acid & Vit B12 levels will actually raise iron levels but should have helped with iron absorption and will make it work better in your body (think red blood cells). Ferritin levels that don't correspond with iron levels can sometimes indicate MTHFR issues.
I've read about MTHFR and I'm suspecting that may be the issue. Do you know what the solution is for ferritin levels that don't correspond with iron levels is? None of the online articles have a solution if any! I've responded well to the methyl B12/folate supplemets. Next month I"m retesting iron levels.
I have methylation issues as well but actually don’t suffer from your problem as have haemochromotosis (ie raised ferritin & iron). However, if I remember correctly your problem is to do with inadequate excretion of heavy metals (iron, mercury, lead, copper.)
I think ferritin may eventually catch up to correctly correlate with iron levels now you are addressing other issues regarding MTHFR. Post iron results for members comments when you get them next month.
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