I just had my iron levels measured. Since my neuropathy presents many coinidences with RLS and i heard it can be caused by iron deficiency i thought i should give it a try. The results show 40.1 ng/dl. Is that considered a low level?? Should I try iron supplementation?? I have heard excess iron can also lead to damage so.. do you think it would be dangerous to take some iron supplement??

Thank you

Monica

your doctor who did the test is the best resource for you for iron replacement.
For dosing and length of time to use.

Monica , You have not mentioned the normal range of the blood test.
I can tell and you might already know that Iron plays a crucial role in our body.
If doc/you suspect Iron, Please do test Ferritin level also(Iron stores in your body).

I am iron deficient.

Doc checked Ferritin (which for me was 18) range 10-232
Iron total which was 55 range 40-175 (before supplementation it was 37)
Iron Binding Capacity which was 416 (range 250-450)
and % saturation 13% which was low (range 15-50%)

They should also compare to hemoglobin levels and others on the cbc test.

My low iron was due to heavy mentrusal bleeding. Doc told me to supplement with over the counter iron but it did not improve much until I went back on birth control to help the bleeding.

He now has me on Repliva - new prescription ioron supplements and we do blood every 2 months.

If you supplement with iron do it away from any mild or calcium supplements.

Also it is beter absorbed with Vitamin C

But you should work with doc to determine if you shuld supplement iron can be a tricky thing and if you overcompensate that is not good either.

Good luck

Sorry I actually had my Ferritin levels measured. The normal range for the lab for females is 11-307 ng/ml. My levels, as i said before, turned out to be 40.11 Ng/ml. So apparently there's no deficiency. Do you think i should rule it out or i should have the rest of tests done??

Thank you!

I have no idea about supplements and I agree about asking your doc. Do you foods with iron in it? Even many cereals like bran flakes contain it I think.

Monica always good to have the complete iron picture done but your ferritin seems ok but best to consult with your doc.