How to treat low iron levels due to high-intensity exercise?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I went for general blood work, CBC, and iron levels and all was normal three months back. I did another blood test recently and now my iron levels have dropped. Nothing has changed except that I have started exercising very vigorously. On the day of the test, I completed an exercise in the morning and lost a lot of sweat. I also take the following supplements - L-Argenine, L-Citrruline, Glutamine, Pine bark, and CoQ10.
I just wanted to get an opinion about this and what I should do. Please see the attached reports.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern. I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Your hemoglobin level is well maintained. But as your iron stores are decreasing that means either there is some nutritional deficiency of iron-rich foods or there might be some occult bleeding.
Do you have any history of blood in stools or black stools? Do you have a family history of colon cancer? Any history of piles? Do you feel pain in your abdomen or have loose bowel stools frequently? How much non-veg do you consume daily?
Please reply with the above questions.
Thanks and take care.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
No blood in the stool or black stools, and no change in bowel habits or piles. No family history and no symptoms as well. I had a full abdomen scan done approximately 6 months ago, and all was fine. A routine occult blood test was done approximately 1 year ago and was negative.
I have also attached my blood report from eight months ago, which shows iron levels of 74.81 mcg/dL. Then after four months, it was 113.97 mcg/dL, and now it is 55 mcg/dL. I consume non-veg daily, mainly chicken and fish. Red meat approximately once a week.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern. Lately, has there been any change in your dietary pattern? Alcohol consumption? There is no apparent cause of low ferritin that I can find. This condition is known as iron deficiency without anemia.
As you are fit and healthy, you do not feel any symptoms related to anemia, so this can be monitored every 3 months. Decreased absorption of iron from your gut is the only possible explanation for low iron. If you feel any other symptoms or your hemoglobin goes down, then only treatment is indicated.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and take care.
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