Blood results : a bit anaemic?

[Bearo]

Red blood cells

My red blood cell count - 4.52 (3.80-5.80)

Red blood dist.width. - 15% (11.80-14.80%)

MCV. - 83.8 (80-100)

MCH. - 27.7 (27-32)

Haematocrit. - 0.379 (0.37-047)

Ferritin. - 72 (13-150)

Folate. - 14.6 (2.40-17.50)

B12. - 348 (197-771)

I posted my blood results a week or so back and received some good advice. But my red blood cell results were on the next page and the GP who discussed the results said everything was fine so I didn’t post that page on here. Only today I looked at them properly and wondered if I should ask for a full iron panel? Only the RDW is actually out of range, everything else is just a bit low.

I’m supplementing B (igennus B complex with folate) and planning to add magnesium soon. I’ve always been vegetarian but will eat some fish and meat to boost my diet a bit.

Which of the blood results above are most concerning, if any, and taken altogether what are they pointing to? I’m 67 and taking 75 levo with testing in a few weeks to probably increase the dose.

My main symptoms are poor sleep and becoming lightheaded very easily which makes me feel dizzy and sick. Otherwise my health is ok.

Thanks to everyone who gave advice last time.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

SeasideSusie or humanbean may pop along and comment on iron

As vegetarian you probably need separate B12 as well as vitamin B complex

academic.oup.com/nutritionr...

The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency. Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Low B12 symptoms

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

With such low B12 result look at taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.

B12 sublingual lozenges

amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc...

cytoplan.co.uk/vitamins/vit...

[Bearo in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, Slow Dragon. I tried the Jarrow B12 1,000mg lozenges but they made me extremely lightheaded and feeling sick so I’ve discontinued. At some point I will try again, or look for a lower dose product.

[Tuscansun]

Add grape and pomegranate juice to your diet. If you can eat good quality grass fed beef from time to time, it would help too. Red wine is also good.

[Bearo in reply to Tuscansun]

Thanks,Tuscansun, so diet is the way to go with this? What am setting out to improve, specifically, the B12? Iron in general?

[Tuscansun in reply to Bearo]

Diet is the natural way but if diet alone doesn't work you can add supplements: iron, folic acid, B12, copper, VitA. I had blood loss in the past and I was advised exactly the same food. And if you can drink wines, then dry red wine is the best.

[Bearo in reply to Tuscansun]

Thanks!