Transferrin Saturation

[notpink]

I have a GP appointment a week Monday. Recently had a Medichecks nutrition test and results:

Ferritin : 44.2 ug/L (R. 13 - 150) Vit. B12: 67.6 pmol/L (R.37.5 - 150) Vit.D: 119/nmolL (R50 - 200)

Medichecks GP said B12 on the low side, as is Ferritin. He recommended I have a serum MMA (methylmalonic acid) blood test. (Vit B12 promotes the conversion of MMA. Hence, when you have Vit B deficiency, MMA levels are usually high). I have read this test is rarely done, so not sure whether it will be done. Privately it costs £149!!

on 1 November last year I had my iron status tested:

Iron: 31.5 umol/L (R. 5.8 - 34.5) TIBC: 48.3 unmol/L (R. 45 - 81) UIBC: 16.8 umol/L (R.24.2-70.1)

Transferrin Saturation: 65.2% (R. 20 - 50)

I am a little concerned about the transferrin saturation levels - a couple of years ago it was 59% and when I asked GP about it he dismissed it saying that's fine. Would be grateful to have any comments on these figures. I stopped all vitamins a couple of weeks ago pending test results. Hard to remember words and have various thyroid issues, so I know things aren't optimal. That's life! Many thanks for reading.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

on 1 November last year I had my iron status tested

7 months down the line I wouldn't rely on those results, I'd do a new test to see current iron status.

What was your ferritin level with that test last November and were you supplementing iron at all?

[notpink in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for replying - I shall ask GP if I can get iron status tested. Last November my Ferritin status was 57.4 ug/L (R. 13 - 150)

[Spangle15]

I am in exactly the same boat, lowish ferritin, normal or sometimes high iron and high transferrin saturation. I’ve been told it’s not an issue. I have bloods due Friday to check again. But recently I’ve read this can happen if you need iron! And that actually you should supplement if you get this. It’s the only thing I’ve found online about it. It’s frustrating because I want to optimise my ferritin but I’ve been too nervous to take iron. I am veggie so have a low iron diet.

[notpink in reply to Spangle15]

It's a real juggle with the figures, but I always get the feeling GPs just want you out the door and everything's fine. Like you I don't want to just take iron supplements to increase the ferritin because of the raised transferrin saturation. Difficult for you too because of being vegetarian. I don't eat red meat, although I did have liver once a week to improve figures for a time, and it wasn't pleasant. It's certainly not an easy journey but hope your next blood test is more reassuring and you get some clear explanation from GP.

[Spangle15 in reply to notpink]

you too