Results for Iron levels, do I need supplements?

[alfonsina]

Hello, I recently had an iron panel bloodwork done. Last time I had one was in 2011. I requested it to my doc because of chronic shedding of hair. My results were:

Iron: 129 ug/dl range: 37-170
Ferritin: 57,1 ng/ml range: 6,24-137
%saturation iron: 43,73  range: 20-55
Binding capacity of Iron: 295 ug/dl  range 265-497

My last ferritin and iron tests were in 2011 and the results were:
IRON,TOTAL 87 range: 40-175 mcg/dL
FERRITIN 139 range:  10-154 ng/mL TBR (way less shedding)

Should I take more iron supplements? I have already taking for the last 2 months a half of a multivitamin which has 100% percent of iron DV (18mg), so I take 9mg daily. Anyway I have the impression that multis don't have enough of the supplements because it is only one pill and so much to put in that pill. On the other had I have been reading about how high levels of iron are dangerous that is why I do not want over do it.
I don't eat red meat almost never.
Could it be the cause of my chronic shedding? maybe my numbers are just fine...
Please share if you have been there or know about it;)

Thanks!!

[alfonsina]

Thanks Goolarra. I knew something about multis was not right. I have an appointment with my dermatologist, who requested the tests, next week, but I will buy an iron supplement tomorrow to start taking it as soon as possible.  I think 18 mg daily will do to start. We will see if this help with my hair and nails. I will stop the multi as well.

I am also increasing my thyroid meds...my dermatologist said that because I am hypothyroid I will never have the hair I am supposed to have:(

Thanks!!

[goolarra]

Your ferritin is low in terms of where it should be to properly metabolize thyroid hormones.  The recommendation for ferritin with regard to thyroid hormone metabolism is the 90-110 range.  If ferritin isn't high enough, thyroid hormones can't take that last, necessary step of getting into cells.  

Multis typically use the cheapest form of the vitamins/minerals they contain.  For example, using magnesium as an example (because I've done a lot of research on it), most multis use mag from mag oxide.  Mag oxide is basically indigestible (because your body doesn't recognize it as food...because it's not!), so very little goes into your bloodstream.  Most ends up in your gut, where because of its laxative effect, it can actually deplete your body of mag.  It's always best to treat a known deficiency with a good quality individual supplement.