This question is very close to my heart. In the year 2018 November, my blood test results from the annual examination were shared. My iron levels, especially the ferritin levels, were too low, and so was my Vitamin B12. I was unaware of the impacts as my free-flowing iron levels, and hemoglobin was always reasonable in previous years. Therefore, any side effects from low iron levels, such as dizziness, loss of breath, etc. were not felt by me. The lack of symptoms can also be attributed to my consistent exercise regime, which increased my tolerance and kept me going. However, by November of 2018, my ferritin levels were low; my hemoglobin had dropped to 9, considerably low for a woman my age. My vitamin B12 was low too. Due to my low iron and hemoglobin levels, my red blood counts and associated results were all over. I heard the doctor say, “Anemic.” It is normal for a woman in childbearing age to have low iron levels but, being a health freak that I am, the word “Anemia” got me really alarmed. I had tons of questions, and the doctors said that “high menstrual blood flow” could contribute to lower levels of Iron. In my case, they were leaning more toward this to be the prime cause.
The doctor advised me to go on iron and vitamin12 tablets daily, a minimum of 2 times. Also, my diet had to include a significant amount of iron-rich food, the toughest thing for any vegetarian as red meat tops the list in the iron-rich food category. This had to be done aggressively for six months. In the meantime, a referral had been made to the hematology clinic in Toronto to explore the IV-intake of Iron if the condition does not correct itself in 6-8 months. I was terrified and upset about not taking care of myself and ignoring the importance of Iron in our diet. That night I researched all the literature available on Iron, its health impacts, and deficiencies of low Iron. The deeper I read, the further scared I got; however, I gathered strength and geared myself to fix it.
As suggested by my doctor, I went on Feramax-150 immediately twice a day alongside my vitamin B-12 tablets. I mentioned Feramax-150 as it was the best for me as it was and is easy on my stomach. There are many brands in the market, but Feramax-150 worked for me. Those of you who have taken iron tablets perhaps know that Iron can cause severe constipation. Anyhow, I had to ignore the minimal side-effects and work on a bigger picture. I went with my doctor’s suggestion and what my body could sustain.
My diet had to be modified too. The doctor had handed a sheet with food items and the amount of Iron it contained. I just had to work it around my meals and to cook a more iron-rich diet. I have shared the list for reference if you wish to glance at it.
My morning ritual daily began with an iron tablet and a cup of prune juice. Prune juice has a very high level of iron and Vitamin C, an essential vitamin for iron absorption. I used to include lemon juice, oranges, anything rich in vitamin C to get the highest iron absorption. My meal would consist of dishes rich in Iron and in Vitamin C; this was possible by doing proper research on food items rich in vitamin C such as tomatoes, all kinds of peppers, Boiled spinach, etc. On top of my list were legumes such as chickpeas, dry green peas, and my grocery store full of uncooked stuff rich in Iron, a teaspoon of lemon was always handy and helpful.
This continued for six months to one year alongside blood tests for testing the ferritin levels, red blood count reports, and hemoglobin.
It took almost a full year in November 2019 when I got the good news that my iron levels had reached the normal range and what a relief it was!
Every mineral and vitamin has an integral role in the human body. Do not take it lightly if your blood report indicates low ferritin levels yet normal hemoglobin and iron levels, and for sure, do not ignore it. The iron level in the blood test only shows the free-flowing Iron in our blood; on the other hand, blood ferritin level is the stored Iron. According to the Mayo Clinic, A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a blood protein that contains Iron. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much Iron your body stores. There can be multiple reasons for low ferritin levels and consequent iron deficiency. It’s essential first to find the cause and then treat with diet and medicine.
Currently, due to COVID-19, our medical appointments are a challenge and hence have not had any recent blood tests. However, I try to have a mixed diet rich in Iron alongside my tablet. Tea has been my daily ritual, and I try to blend it with ingredients that assist in Iron absorption.
Follow WebMD for more iron-rich food. I do follow this website for nutrition purposes.
On that note, please leave your valuable comments if you have any questions or suggestions regarding testing your Iron levels and improving it.
