From the Guidelines
Your lab values indicate normal iron status, and no specific treatment is needed for your iron levels at this time. 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 with a normal hemoglobin level. These values fall within normal reference ranges, suggesting you don't have iron deficiency anemia or iron overload. Transferrin saturation between 20-50% indicates appropriate iron availability for red blood cell production, as stated in the study by 1. Your ferritin level of 53 shows adequate iron stores, though it's in the lower-normal range for many labs, according to the guidelines provided by 1. Vitamin B12 at 283 is sufficient for proper red blood cell development. To maintain healthy iron levels, continue consuming a balanced diet with iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens. If you experience symptoms like unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness, follow up with your healthcare provider for reassessment, as iron needs can change over time due to factors like blood loss, pregnancy, or dietary changes, as recommended by 1. It's also important to note that the management of anemia in patients with congestive heart failure, as discussed in the study by 1, may require a different approach, but in your case, with normal hemoglobin levels, the current iron status is adequate. Regular monitoring of iron status may be necessary, depending on your clinical condition and any changes in your health, as suggested by 1.
From the Research
Iron Deficiency and Supplementation
- Iron deficiency is a common cause of morbidity and can arise as a consequence or complication from many diseases 2.
- The use of intravenous iron has increased significantly in the last decade, but concerns remain about indications and administration 2.
- Oral iron supplementation can be an effective strategy to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia (IDA), but guidelines vary 3.
Treatment Options
- Modern intravenous iron preparations can facilitate rapid iron repletion in one or two doses, both for absolute iron deficiency and, in the presence of inflammation, functional iron deficiency 2.
- Oral iron doses ≥60 mg should be given on alternate days to maximize fractional iron absorption 3.
- Providing morning doses of 60-120 mg iron as a ferrous salt given with ascorbic acid on alternate days may be an optimal oral dosing regimen for women with iron-deficiency and mild IDA 3.
Iron Status and Supplementation
- Ferritin concentration increased significantly between baseline and post-supplementation as well as between baseline and 6 months after supplementation with ferrous sulfate or iron bis-glycinate chelate 4.
- Lactoferrin supplementation had better effects on serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin concentration compared with ferrous sulfate 5.
- Iron deficiency is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease, and particularly affects children, premenopausal women, and people in low-income and middle-income countries 6.
Patient-Specific Considerations
- An underlying cause should be sought in all patients presenting with iron deficiency, and screening for coeliac disease should be considered routinely 6.
- Endoscopic investigation to exclude bleeding gastrointestinal lesions is warranted in men and postmenopausal women presenting with iron deficiency anaemia 6.
- Iron supplementation programmes in low-income countries comprise part of the solution to meeting WHO Global Nutrition Targets 6.