I have recently done an anaemia test and would like some input please. This was done with Monitor My Health. Their analysis and interpretation is according to the British Society of Haematology, which just specifies which levels indicate deficiency. I have added the top value of the green range MMH uses to provide a sense of scale; however, it does not distinguish between male and female.
Haemoglobin (Hb): 152 ug/L (120 - 270) <120 in women indicates anaemia
From what I understand is that my iron is not that bad, but my Ferritin (iron stores) might be a bit on the low side?
Active B12 looks okay, but perhaps folate could be a bit higher? Although I should say that my first folate test failed, so had to do it again and by that time I was 2 weeks off the Igennus B-complex I usually take, so that could have impacted on the reading.
Suggestions welcome, thanks!
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Tina_Maria
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Although I should say that my first folate test failed, so had to do it again and by that time I was 2 weeks off the Igennus B-complex I usually take, so that could have impacted on the reading.
Yes very likely
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)
Look at increasing iron rich foods to improve ferritin
Thanks slowdragon, I was considering having chicken liver once a week to raise the ferritin levels. I have noticed that been eating less meat over the last year (not deliberately I should say), I guess I have to be more conscious about keep ferritin levels higher.
I will look into the methyl folate before the blood tests in the future. Thanks again.
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.
For optimal levels of other iron related measures :
I aim for a level which is top of range or 150 pmol/L.
5) For folate I don't have a special source for optimal. Personally I supplement with methylfolate 1000mcg per day to raise my level or, for maintenance, I would supplement the same dose for 2 or 3 days a week.
It is important to keep levels of other B vitamins at a good level and to use only active forms when supplementing. See this link for more info :
For some reason my haemoglobin levels were always on the higher end of the scale (same for my Mom interestingly, so probably genetic), even before menopause. It is a bit of a shame though that they use such a wide scale, as it is difficult to gage where your levels are, as other female ranges are a lot narrower.
I thought that the ferritin looked a bit on the low side, but I think I might be able to address this with some additional helpings of haem iron in the diet. I noticed a bit more hair loss over the last 6 months (although there is regrowth as well), so it will be interesting to see if that will improve.
Methylfolate supplement sounds like a good idea, I am usually taking 1 Igennus B-complex tablet per day, but I was off it for 2 weeks before my folate was measured, as the first sample was haemolysed.
Thanks very much for your input and helpful links, greatly appreciated! 👍😉
I only take a separate folate supplement in addition to B Complex if testing shows my folate is below optimal. I don't need to take it every day - I probably take it no more than 2 or 3 days a week.
Thank you Human bean for your very kind response. It amazes me how wonderful and kind the members are and lift one another to in better one anothers lives.
I know, liver is not everyone's cup of tea! 😂 I haven't had it for years, so I hope that my taste buds have not changed too much, as it is actually quite nutritious. If not, I am sure there is other haem iron I can incorporate. As my haemoglobin level is quite good already, I am trying to raise the ferritin with diet in the first instance.
It is interesting though, that although I do eat lots of beans, wholegrain and green veg, it's just not as good in keeping the ferritin at an optimal level 😢.
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