From the Guidelines
Iron 47 is a blood test that measures your iron levels, and based on the latest guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association 1, a ferritin threshold value of <45 ng/mL is recommended for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia. You should be aware that your iron level is 47, which is close to the threshold, and your healthcare provider may discuss further testing or treatment options with you, such as evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms or chronic inflammatory conditions that may affect iron levels, as outlined in the AGA clinical practice guidelines 1.
From the Research
Iron Deficiency and Blood Work
- Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency that can compromise the immune response, physical capacity for work, and intellectual functions such as attention level 2.
- Patients with iron deficiency anemia may experience impaired neurodevelopment, and ferrous sulfate is often prescribed to increase hemoglobin concentration 3.
Patient Guidance
- Patients taking ferrous sulfate may experience gastrointestinal side-effects, and it is essential to inform them of the potential risks and benefits of iron supplementation 4.
- Alternative supplements like lactoferrin may have better effects on serum iron and hemoglobin levels with fewer side effects, and patients should be aware of these options 5.