From the Guidelines
Your lab values indicate normal iron status, and no specific treatment or supplementation is needed for these values, as your iron level is 118, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is 408, transferrin saturation is 29%, vitamin B12 is 283, and ferritin is 53, all within normal ranges, and your hemoglobin is also normal, suggesting you don't have anemia. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, when serum ferritin and transferrin saturation values are inconclusive, to diagnose or exclude iron deficiency, further evaluation may be necessary. However, in your case, the values are within normal ranges. Some key points to consider:
- Iron status is important because iron is essential for hemoglobin production, which carries oxygen throughout your body, as noted in 1.
- Ferritin represents your iron stores, while transferrin saturation indicates how much iron is available for use, as explained in 1.
- Your B12 level is adequate for proper nerve function and red blood cell formation.
- Continue with a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens to maintain these healthy levels.
- Regular check-ups can monitor these values over time, especially if you develop symptoms like fatigue or weakness, as recommended in 1. It's also important to note that the diagnosis of iron deficiency can be complicated by the presence of inflammation, as discussed in 1, but in your case, there is no indication of inflammation. Overall, your current iron status is normal, and no treatment or supplementation is necessary, as supported by the evidence from 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Iron Deficiency and Anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia is a common nutritional deficiency disorder worldwide, and it can result in neurodevelopmental and cognitive deficits, especially in children 2.
- The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is typically made by measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, with low levels indicating iron deficiency 2, 3.
Treatment and Prevention
- Oral iron therapy is the first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia, with ferrous preparations being the most cost-effective medication 2.
- Ferrous bisglycinate is a novel amino acid iron chelate that may be more bioavailable and associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events compared to iron salts 4.
- Lactoferrin supplementation has been shown to have better effects on serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin concentration compared to ferrous sulfate 5.
Iron Status and Supplementation
- Supplementation with 30 mg/day of elemental iron, either as ferrous sulfate or iron bis-glycinate chelate, has been shown to increase ferritin concentration in schoolchildren with low iron stores 6.
- Ferrous bisglycinate supplementation has been shown to result in higher hemoglobin concentrations and fewer reported gastrointestinal adverse events in pregnant women compared to other iron supplements 4.
Laboratory Results
- The provided laboratory results show a hemoglobin level of 283, which is within the normal range, and a ferritin level of 53, which is also within the normal range 2, 3.
- The iron level is 118, the TIBC is 408, and the transferrin saturation is 29, which may indicate iron deficiency, but further evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis 2, 3.