My iron level is high with no other symptoms. Is it because of my iron supplements?

Hi doctor,

I am 44-years-old female. I am a vegetarian. My current medications are fish oil, multivitamin, vitamin C supplements, and a high dose of vitamin B for my neuropathy. I drink beer or wine two servings three times a week. I have an increased iron value with no other symptoms. I consulted a doctor, and she suggested doing a complete blood investigation to rule out the cause. She advised me to stop the supplements containing iron and repeat the blood test after a month. I stopped multivitamin and vitamin C supplements one month before the blood test. In my recent blood investigation, my iron value is 187 mcg/dL, TIBC is 246 mcg/dL, ferritin is 70 ng/mL, and hemoglobin is normal.

Are these numbers cause for concern?

Kindly help.

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

These values are obtained after discontinuation of iron supplements for five weeks.

1) I take a high amount of vitamin B, especially vitamin B12. Is there a correlation of this to iron values? Should I reduce intake of vitamin B if so?

2) How long after stopping supplements does it take for the body to get rid of excess iron?

Thanks.