Iron Deficiency

BACKGROUND

Symptoms

Though the normal range for the iron blood test will tell you if you are in the “normal range,” low iron despite normal lab results (see the problem with lab testing) can cause many problems, including:

• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Immune dysfunction
• Anemia
• Poor memory
• Hair loss

Lab Testing

There are 2 key tests for iron deficiency:

Ferritin level

The doctor will tell you it is normal if it is over 9. However, it should be at least 40 and for treating hair loss, at least 100 µg/L.

Iron percent saturation

Get it over 22%.

If both tests are ABOVE the upper limit of normal, be sure your doctor checks for a genetic iron EXCESS called hemochromatosis. This is very simple to treat preventively, but can kill you if missed.

TREATMENT

Recommended Supplements

Iron and vitamin C

A good dose of iron supplement is 25-35 mg a day. Take it with vitamin C and while on an empty stomach (bedtime is fine). Taking it every other day, or 3 weeks on and 1 off, works best.

Cautions

May cause black stool, which is normal (not foul-smelling — foul-smelling black stool suggests bleeding).

Do not take iron within 2 hours of thyroid hormone.