What can I do for iron deficiency anemia?

Hello @tshere1995 and welcome to Mayo Connect.

I can imagine how tired you must be if your iron level is only at 6 right now. You say the doctors cannot tell you why your body does not absorb iron.

If you care to share more, please let us know what types of diagnostic tests you have had. Has it been just blood work or has an upper endoscopy been done?

While I am not a medical professional, I would like to share the experience of a friend of mine who had the same symptoms of low iron level and terrible fatigue. They found that she had celiac disease. She now follows a gluten-free diet and is doing quite well.

Here is some information about celiac disease from Mayo Clinic's website, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352220, As you can see, iron deficiency is one of the symptoms.

Vitamin C can increase absorption of iron. Some iron products over-the-counter do not contain very much elemental iron. For instance I know of one product called Hemocyte that has 105 mg of elemental iron per pill whereas ferrous sulfate only has about 30 mg of elemental iron per pill. The Hemocyte would only need to be taken once daily since it has the max amount of iron you would want to ingest per day. Certain foods can increase iron absorption & some foods/drinks like black tea can block it. Might do some research. I do believe you might be able to affect this with your diet. Good luck.

Anemia I can be caused by more things than iron. I believe one type is caused by a lack of one of the b vitamins. My husband has thalesimmia a Mediterranean blood disease and no amount of iron helps. He is 83 and has had it all his life. Your doctor could refer you to a hematologist for more testing.

I have plenty of iron and am anemic.. all my life... I don't feel tired... I am high energy actually.. I take B-12 to help

Hello, I have anemia too called Thallasemia. I do not need iron. It is inherited from being Italian. I had to have blood transfusions with my pregnancies. It made me feel wonderful. 12 is normal for people Then a blood count of 6 will make you have diarrhea with loss of control etc. You would need a blood transfusion and be very sick at 6 as your blood count Get a new doctor or go to ER Good Luck Hope this helped! Cat

I am not a doctor Just giving my opinion Cat

@tshere1995 my iron was at 20 several years ago. I have since developed erythrocytosis and don't absorb potassium, sodium, vitamin d and b12. The only thing that has worked is giving up sugar and eating a more plant based diet. I start the day with a veggie & berry smoothie and eat healthy the rest of the day. I also exercise several times a week. Not eating cakes, cookies, etc was difficult at first but I eventually lost the craving for it. I hope your doctor can correct your iron level so you feel better.

Over 20 years ago I had a vagotomy/antrectomy due to ulcers perforating my stomach. Now I do not process iron. My iron numbers are very low as is my iron absorbtion; however, my ferritin levels and hemoglobin are normal and there is the problem. Because of the normal readings, the doctors are afraid to order an iron infusion. I am also a lung cancer patient. Does anyone else have this problem? What is being done for you?

Hello @testlady, you may notice I moved your discussion on Anemia and combined it with another one with the same title. I did this so Connect members already discussing Anemia could see your message and have a chance to respond and so that you could see some of the previous messages posted. I'd also like to invite @reny, @bonniecanby, @cmdavis88, and @hklass to this discussion as well to share their experience with anemia.

Thank you.