low iron

[nellster]

hi.  does anyone have thoughts on how long it takes to move your ferritin level up?  I started on iron slow fe 15 days ago and was just wondering when I may feel, see(hopefully with less hairloss) results.

thanks,
Nellster

[AR-10]

Not sure, Nellster, but here's a ride back to page one.
Hang on!

[dscoochie]

I think our measurements are different in Canada, but I was able to move my iron up a few points a day.  It was at its lowest, about 78, and within 2 weeks, on iron supplements, etc., I got it up to 119, which is normal.  I might add that I didnt have a period during that time, and I was eating iron rich foods like they were going out of style!  Good luck.

[barleypop]

It takes months to get ferritin which is a protein that binds to iron.  It is a good measure of iron storage but it is different from just measuring serum iron.  It takes time to deplete your ferritin therefore it takes time to build it back up.  

My dermatologist recommends that ferritin be up near 80-100 for help with hair loss.  I started back in October 07 with a ferritin of 16.5 (range 11-305).  I was on the very low end and it is a huge range.  In January it was up to 37.5.  I am having it tested again at the end of June and hopefully will be up in the 60's...I hope!!!  I am supplementing with slow release iron every other day and taking a multivitamin every day.  I am also trying to incorporate as much iron-rich food in my diet.  

It is a slow process to build up your ferritin but don't get discouraged.  Let me forewarn you that stomach issues do occur when supplementing with some types of iron and which is why I only take the slow release iron every other day....it is just great being hypo and taking iron....constipation wins!!

hope this helps ya!!

[Christy1950]

If you are taking iron you should have a combined one with vitamin C as this helps its absorption but like me you might need to keep topping it up once you get it to the required level. My family are all iron deficient and we all have to take suppliments normally every three days every few months.

[nellster]

Thank you all for the info.  Hopefully when I get it tested again in 6 weeks, it will show improvement.  Also, knock on wood..I haven't gotten that horrible side effect!  I hate the hairloss so much...its been going on for a year now,

[kitty9309]

I want to suggest an iron supplement called Ferrochel. It is iron bis-glycinate and is 70-75% absorbed, compared with only 10% if ferrous sulfate.
It is also gentle on the stomoch. I take mine at night and have no trouble.
You can get it under various brands at the Vitamin Shoppe. Look on the label to see the words Ferrochel and Albion (the manufacturer of Ferrochel).

Here is a link explaining it:

http://www.healthy-health.com/site/844294/page/754206

My ferritn last summer was 14 and I started Ferrochel a few months ago. I will have it checked again through work (Quest Diagnostics) wellness program again soon. I am very interested in the results!