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My serum iron levels are consistently high, but I have symptoms of iron deficiency. Why?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am consistently doing tests to know my iron levels every month, and the results are confusing. I have low ferritin. I am exhibiting classic signs of iron deficiency, and even the sclera of my eyes has a blue hue. But my serum iron levels are consistently high, which causes my saturation percentage to remain high. I am not taking any iron supplements. What is the cause of having high serum iron with low ferritin?

Kindly advise.
Answered by Dr. Alexander Davis

Education:

MD (USA)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alexander Davis, MD, is a General Practitioner, Internist, and Family Physician with extensive experience across different countries. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care and focuses on promoting long-term health and wellness.His areas of expertise include chronic disease management, preventive healthcare, and evidence-based treatment for both acute and long-term medical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You need to consult an endocrinologist for having a high transferrin saturation greater than 50 percent. It creates non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) which is toxic and creates damage to certain cells in the body through an oxidation process. When your transferrin saturation is high, you should not take any iron supplements as it is poisonous. You need to do a test for mutations in your HFE (hemochromatosis) genes (C282Y, H63D, and others). Take this seriously as having high transferrin saturation for a longer period can cause irreversible damage to certain tissues like heart and brain.

The Probable causes

You seem to have iron metabolism disorder.

Investigations to be done

You need to do genetic testing for mutations in the HFE (hemochromatosis) gene.

Differential diagnosis

You can have various causes.

Probable diagnosis

You seem to have H63D syndrome. It needs to be tested genetically.

Treatment plan

Stop taking iron supplements.

Regarding follow up

Have a follow-up at any time.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lochana. K
Published At November 3, 2020
Reviewed At June 25, 2026

Education:

MD (USA)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alexander Davis, MD, is a General Practitioner, Internist, and Family Physician with extensive experience across different countries. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care and focuses on promoting long-term health and wellness.His areas of expertise include chronic disease management, preventive healthcare, and evidence-based treatment for both acute and long-term medical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lochana. K is a Dental Surgeon skilled in oral health care, preventive dentistry, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, and patient education for maintaining good oral hygiene and overall dental wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alexander Davis
Dr. Alexander Davis

General Practitioner

Education:

MD (USA)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alexander Davis, MD, is a General Practitioner, Internist, and Family Physician with extensive experience across different countries. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care and focuses on promoting long-term health and wellness.His areas of expertise include chronic disease management, preventive healthcare, and evidence-based treatment for both acute and long-term medical conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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