Q. Will serum iron value be accurate while taking iron supplements?
Hello doctor,
I was diagnosed with anemia last month. My serum iron level was 12. I was put on Ferrous Sulfate 325 mg twice a day. My doctor suspected a GI bleed because I have acid reflux that is under control with medications, but I wanted to try supplements first. I am not having any crazy GI symptoms though. They said to try the iron for a month and then go back for another test.
I just went for a blood test last week and my serum level came back at 102. I am feeling much better and yesterday I had a follow-up appointment at which my doctor said to stop taking the iron supplements and to retest in three months. That seems like a long time to stop taking iron supplements after having only taken them for one month. I also wonder about the validity of the recent test because I am now reading that supplements can falsely elevate your actual iron level. I was not told to stop taking the supplements before the test.
Was the iron serum blood test accurate if I did not stop taking iron for a short period beforehand? Also, is it safe to stop taking iron for three months?
I am currently taking Omeprazole, Prozac, and Klopin.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes, the test is still valid. The results would show the effect of increased iron intake for the past weeks that you have been taking it and a few days of not taking it will not have much effect. Not taking it for three months is still fine. I believe your doctor has already concluded that you do not have GI bleeding as of now, so most likely your body can replenish the iron through diet without any need for supplements.
But if you have symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and lightheadedness, seek further consult with your doctor. In the meantime, I recommend stick with a high-iron diet such as meat and green leafy vegetables. I also recommend you take food and drinks high in vitamin C to better absorb the iron in the gut. Is there anything else I can help you with?
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