Non-anemic Iron deficiency: what helps?

I would be interested in the answer to this also. I also have readings that are low, or on the very low side of normal, but until earlier this year have never had a problem with iron deficiency anemia in my life. I took supplements for 3 months and did not see any improvement in levels, this is telling me that I am not absorbing the available iron. I am completing 3 more months and will be tested soon.

There is already a 39 pages of blog regarding this. This condition is due to the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Everyone on this blog including me is going through the same thing.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/iron-depletion-in-blood-and-covid-vaccine/?pg=39#comment-743276

You may be interested in reading
all the comments on a Mayo Clinic site like this called "Iron deficiency in blood related to Covid?". There are over 38 pages of people, myself included, that have experienced low to very low blood iron levels after the Covid vaccine. This may relate to your situation.

I have iron deficiency anemia and sometimes severe, You need to be under the care of a hemotologist! I take iron infusions when I am low and life saving blood transfusions when very low.

Hi @nbarnum27, I'd like to add my welcome to the other members who have responded to you. Do you know what the underlying cause of you low iron results is? Might your autoimmune conditions be contributing to this or medications you're taking? Are you being seen by a hematologist?

@colleenyoung hi there and thank you for responding, yes I do think my autoimmune issues have to do with the iron deficiency (close to anemia) I do see a hematologist, and this particular one will not order the infusion of iron (not sure why) this has happened before with me and my old hemo did order iv infusion.. it resolved for about a year and a half and now it’s showing deficiency again.. this has happened a couple times in the last 7 years or so … my iron is at 7 and my hemoglobin is 11.3 (I guess not low enough for that particular doctor to think I need iron?) I know my body and know I need it and am not able to take oral iron at all due to stomach issues .. not sure what to do now?

@carolee888 hi there thank you for responding to me 🙂 I do see hematology, but this particular doctor does not think I “need” the iv iron infusion (not sure why) the only reason she says no is because I’m not anemic enough ? Whatever that means … as you know we can tell when and what we need because it’s our bodies duh! I’m having all the awful symptoms of the low iron which is at 7.. my hemoglobin is only 11.3 , so apparently that’s not anemic enough?

Time to change your hemotologist, your past history indicates that you need to try a different one. Take care!

Niki27 @nbarnum27
I feel your frustration about provider saying it is "not low enough".

I have had problems with my iron and have had Iron infusions. The reason is because of stomach surgery and mal-absorption problems. I tried many supplements including multi-vitamins and Vitron-C, but nothing made a difference.

When hemoglobin and ferritin dropped real low, I had infusions for years. I then moved and new primary would not refer me to a hematologist until was below normal. The hematologist was initially hesitant to order. When I discuss previous history and could show it was on downward trend, they were more willing to order.

I suggest you keep track of Ferritin levels and if continues to drop, ask provider what can be done to reverse it if he does not think a infusion are required.

Then for years I was able to maintain my iron level. But just this last year Ferritin dropped again, even though was low but not below normal yet, the blood tests showed a downward trend. This time it was my endocrinologist who had ordered the blood tests and agreed it was better to treat then wait till dropped below normal and order two infusions a week apart. The blood test will be repeated this month (3 months post treatment) to see if I am maintaining iron level.

Good luck
Laurie

I don't remember the cut off point for infusions, sorry, I have been having them for years. Time to change your doctor though.