From the Guidelines
Based on your lab values, it appears that your iron studies are within normal ranges, and no specific treatment or supplementation is needed at this time. Your serum iron (118), total iron binding capacity (TIBC, 408), transferrin saturation (29%), vitamin B12 (283), and ferritin (53) are all within normal reference ranges, and you mentioned your hemoglobin is normal as well. These values indicate that your body has adequate iron stores and is effectively transporting iron for red blood cell production. Iron is essential for hemoglobin formation, which carries oxygen throughout your body. Your transferrin saturation percentage (calculated as serum iron divided by TIBC) shows that about 29% of your iron-binding sites are filled, which is within the healthy range of 20-50% 1. Your ferritin level of 53 indicates sufficient iron storage. In the context of iron deficiency diagnosis, a study published in 2013 1 suggests that a serum ferritin level < 30 mcg/L or transferrin saturation < 16% define iron deficiency in patients without inflammation. However, since your ferritin level is 53 and transferrin saturation is 29%, you do not meet the criteria for iron deficiency. Another study published in 2017 1 recommends a therapeutic trial of oral iron to confirm absolute iron deficiency, but given your normal lab values, this is not necessary at this time. Continue with your current diet and lifestyle, as your body is maintaining proper iron balance. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider for routine blood work is recommended to monitor these values over time, as suggested by a 2008 study 1. Some key points to consider:
- Your iron studies are within normal ranges
- No specific treatment or supplementation is needed at this time
- Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is recommended to monitor your iron levels
- Your current diet and lifestyle are maintaining proper iron balance
- Iron is essential for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in the body.
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.