Blood test result - iron

[Lindsayf]

Hi all

I have taken iron tablets prescribed by my GP for over 15 years. My Ferritin levels were low when I was in my 20s and have taken iron tablets since then.

I was really unwell last year with an unrelated illness and I haven’t taken my iron tablets for a few months.

My results;

Serum Iron levels 18.9umol/L (9.0 - 30.4)

Serum transferrin level 2.08g/L (2.0-3.2)

Transferrin saturation index 36% (16-45)

Serum ferritin 109ug/L (23 - 300)

My GP is happy with these results as wants to stop the iron tablets and re test in 3 months to see if my levels remain where they are.

I have agreed to try it but are my current levels good?

Thank you

[humanbean]

Serum Iron levels 18.9umol/L (9.0 - 30.4) 46.26% through the range

Serum transferrin level 2.08g/L (2.0-3.2) 6.67% through the range

Transferrin saturation index 36% (16-45)

Serum ferritin 109ug/L (23 - 300) 31.05% through the range

This link gives suggested optimal levels for several iron tests and iron-related tests.

rt3-adrenals.org/Iron_test_...

Please note that contradictory results are quite common.

For ferritin a suggested optimal is found on this link :

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Normal ferritin levels for women are between 20 and 200 ng/mL. According to some experts, ferritin levels of at least 40 ng/ml are required to stop hair loss, while levels of at least 70 ng/ml are needed for hair regrowth. The optimal ferritin level for thyroid function is between 90-110 ng/ml.

...

Serum iron - your result 46% through the range

• 55 to 70% of the range

• higher end for men

Your result is lower than the optimal given above. This suggests that you need more iron.

...

TIBC (total iron binding capacity) or Transferrin

• Low in range indicates lack of capacity for additional iron

• High in range indicates body's need for supplemental iron

Your result of just over 6% through the range for transferrin is low in range, suggesting that you lack capacity for additional iron, which contradicts what your serum iron is telling you.

...

Transferrin saturation index - Your result is 36% through the range

Saturation

• optimal is 35 to 45%

• higher end for men

Your saturation result is within the suggested optimal range, suggesting that you don't need more iron.

...

Ferritin - Your result is 31% through the range or 109mcg/L .

Optimal is suggested as being 90 - 110 ng/mL.

Your result is actually within the optimal range, suggesting you don't need more iron.

...

The only test result you have suggesting you need more iron is the serum iron. The others are suggesting that you don't really have a problem with your iron at all just now.

Something that can reduce serum iron while ferritin isn't too bad is a condition called Anaemia of Chronic Disease which tends to occur with inflammation or infection. If this fits your health problems then your case appears to be mild :

irondisorders.org/anemia-of...

Another link that is worth hanging on to for future info is this one :

irondisorders.org/wp-conten...

...

Just in case you weren't aware of this ...

Iron tablets of the type that doctors in the UK prescribe can actually be bought in pharmacies without prescription.

There are other types of iron supplement (heme iron supplements) that can be bought online, and some people can raise their levels quite quickly with them if the need arises. See this link :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Lindsayf in reply to humanbean]

Hi Humanbean

Thank you so very much for replying. It’s a flipping minefield at times understand results and what to do.

I was in Hospital last year with Billary colic and they also believed my gallbladder was infected. I was given strong antibiotics to clear it up which made me feel so unwell.

On top of that, I have had a terrible chest infection that started in July 2023 and I am still affected by it. I’ve been on 4 courses on antibiotics and 2 courses of steroids since July 2023. I am seeing the respiratory consultant next week. I am coughing a lot and being stuff up, I wonder if that I why my serum iron is low. This is the first time I have ever had my iron panel completed so I have nothing to compare it to. I know that my ferritin is the highest it’s ever been. I don’t feel well but I think it to do with my chest.

Do you know of any natural non animal alternatives to taking iron tablets, I must admit, I feel better for not being on them as I am able to go to the loo better. The other option is I look at paying for a private iron transfer.

Thanks xx

[Lindsayf in reply to Lindsayf]

Also this was my full blood count

Full blood count results