Concerns About Iron Levels and Supplementation with High Ferritin
Hello everyone, I’m a 40-year-old male. Currently, I’m on Mounjaro for weight management, which I’ve been using for the past six months. I've successfully reduced my BMI from 35 to 27.5. For about ten years, I battled IBS and eczema, but I recently discovered that both issues stemmed from dairy proteins. After eliminating dairy from my diet, both conditions have completely improved. However, I previously dealt with chronic inflammation throughout my body. I took it upon myself to research and experiment with various solutions, as the conventional treatments I received from doctors—mostly ineffective medications and steroid ointments for my eczema—didn’t help. In mid-July, I ended up in the emergency department due to food poisoning, leading to a rapid weight loss of 5 kg within two days caused by vomiting and diarrhea. They ran some blood tests for the first time, which included measuring my iron levels. Fortunately, they provided intravenous fluids for rehydration but did not address the iron issues immediately. Here are the results from that test: - Iron: 43 - Iron binding capacity: 294 - Transferrin saturation: 14.5 - Transferrin: 2.1 - Ferritin: 325 - Vitamin B12: 349 - Folic acid: 7.7 - Hemoglobin: 18 I reviewed these results with my general practitioner yesterday during a follow-up regarding my Mounjaro treatment. Additionally, I’m currently fighting off an ear infection along with a cold. I've been prescribed two different antibiotics for the ear infection (initially staphicid and now azithromycin), along with an ointment for my outer ear. The infection was likely triggered by untreated eczema in my ear after inadvertently consuming something that contained milk powder. After reviewing my iron levels again, here’s what the recent test showed: - Iron: 45 - Transferrin: 1.96 - Iron saturation: 16 - Ferritin: 318 - Hemoglobin: 15.2 My doctor has recommended that I take iron supplements, advising a regimen of one tablet per day for 50 days, with each tablet containing 14 mg of iron along with vitamin C for enhanced absorption and folic acid. Now, I have a question: Given that my ferritin levels are already relatively high, is it wise to add more iron to my regimen? It appears I have ample iron stores, yet my body isn't releasing it effectively. Could this situation originate from the longstanding inflammation my body is still addressing? I stumbled upon the term "anemia of chronic inflammation." Is it safe to supplement with iron when my ferritin levels are elevated? I would greatly appreciate a second opinion from a healthcare professional on this matter. Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 10:14:19 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great to see you've made strides in your health, particularly with your weight management and the resolution of your IBS and eczema through dietary changes. Your current queries regarding iron levels and supplementation are important, especially given your history of inflammation and recent health issues.
Main Points:
- Your ferritin levels are indeed high, which indicates good iron stores.
- Supplementing with iron might not be necessary, especially if your body is unable to use it effectively, which can be due to chronic inflammation.
Explanation:
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, and elevated levels often indicate sufficient iron reserves. However, when you have chronic inflammation, conditions like "anemia of chronic inflammation" can occur. This condition typically results in lower iron utilization and could cause symptoms similar to anemia, despite having high ferritin levels.
Your recent blood tests indicate that while your hemoglobin levels are within the normal range, your transferrin saturation (which measures how much iron is transported in your blood) is lower than optimal. This suggests that your body might not be using the iron effectively, potentially due to inflammation or other underlying conditions.
Adding more iron supplements—even in small doses—might not be the best approach right now, especially considering your history of chronic inflammation and current health status. It’s crucial to focus on managing inflammation and overall health rather than simply addressing iron levels.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms you may experience related to fatigue, weakness, or any other changes as you manage your inflammation and infection.
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Dietary Focus: Ensure you include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet, as it helps iron absorption from meals without needing supplements. Foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli can help.
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Consultation with a Specialist: If you haven't already, consider discussing these concerns with a hematologist or a specialist in chronic inflammation. They can further evaluate whether your iron stores and levels should be monitored closely rather than supplemented.
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Communicate with Your Doctor: If you haven’t already, express your concerns about the proposed iron supplementation regimen and your high ferritin levels to your doctor. They may reassess your need for iron supplementation, considering your comprehensive clinical picture and inflammation status.
As you navigate through this health phase, remember that your well-being is the priority, and optimizing your treatment can often take time and careful observation. Please take care of yourself, and feel free to reach out with further concerns!
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