Advice on iron panel ?

[Sofie007]

I've been feeling off lately, especially during my period. Can someone tell me if my iron levels are ok?

iron: 53 (50-170)

transferrine: 2.37 (2-3.6)

iron saturation: 18 (15-50)

ferritine: 75 (15-150)

[humanbean]

iron: 53 (50-170) 2.5% through the range

transferrine: 2.37 (2-3.6) 23.13% through the range

iron saturation: 18 (15-50)

ferritine: 75 (15-150) 44.44% through the range

...

For suggested optimal levels for iron, ferritin and other iron-related tests see this link :

Link 1 : rt3-adrenals.org/Iron_test_...

The info on optimal ferritin in the above link is vague so I use this link for ferritin instead :

Link 2: 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.

...

Comparing your results to the optimal levels - and note that contradictions are common...

Iron - Optimal is 55 to 70% of the range and yours is only 2.5% which means you need more iron.

Transferrin - Optimal is roughly mid-range but yours is much lower than that suggesting your capacity for more iron is low.

Saturation - Optimal is 35 to 45% and yours is only 18% which means you need more iron.

Ferritin - Optimal is suggested in link 2 as being 90 - 110 ng/mL. I don't know the units of measurement for your result, but if I assume they are the same as the optimal result your ferritin really needs to be a bit higher than it currently is. I always aim for roughly 100 ng/mL.

Note : 1 nanogram/mL = 1 microgram/L So optimal for ferritin could also be expressed as

90 - 110 mcg/L.

I don't know what iron supplements you can get prescribed or can be bought in Belgium, or what you have tried and can or can't tolerate. You'll have to let me know.

[humanbean in reply to humanbean]

I forgot to ask...

Do you have recent results for a vitamin B12 test and a folate test? If yes what are the results?

And another thing...

What supplements do you take regularly and what are they made of?