Low Ferritin, but RBC, hemoglobin normal

Ferritine is iron in the blood : /labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ferritin/tab/test/

So you have a blood test that shows you're deficient.

RBC is total red blood cell count.

Hemoglobin is oxygen levels in the cells.

Thanks, Traveler and LB.

Yes, my last lab work showed lower ferritin levels...not really low - it was 50.
But, I was wondering why my hemoglobin and RBC labs were good.
I had asked my Dr. if it's because the RBC are 'robbing' from the Ferritin - and she thought that was the case.

That sounds like what you described below, LB.

I also read that it might not be that 'simple'...that there are other tests that should be done before you go supplementing. Transferrin and Serum Iron are a couple.

It also said don't just start taking iron supplements unless you know for sure...

I guess I will start supplementing at a low dose. I bought Floradix.

PantsFace:
Have you tried the Flora brand of iron supplement? It's a liquid. It's sold in the Health food stores. I used it for our son when he had undiagnosed celiac and he tolerated it well.
That is the one I bought...I've only taken it once so far. It didn't bother my tummy. I did take it on a full stomach..which may have helped.
And, yes, taking Vitamin C is good with it.

I do eat some red meat...but not regularly. Maybe once every week or two.


My concern is when I was reading about supplementing iron...I saw information that talked about iron feeding cancer...and it's not always a good idea to take it...unless it's necessary.
My ferritin isn't that low...so kind of on the fence about it.

Why aren't you using cast iron on your glass top stove? I have a glass top stove and use my cast iron - of course I did ask the dealer about it, and then looked it up online too before doing so. I simply can't cook without ever using a cast iron skillet!! Eggs are never the same in another skillet!! LOL!

I have a Frigadaire glass top stove. We were told not to use cast iron or it would break the glass? I always wondered if I was really careful if it would be okay as I would much rather use that to cook with regardless of my iron problem. I'm gonna look it up :)

I grew up with cast iron, but with a gas stove, and I love it!

PeteZa, I try to get mine from food as much as possible, but unfortunately can't tolerate ANY red meats anymore (started when I was about 7 years old, maybe 23ish years ago, when all my other IBS/gut issues happened). I expel everything from everywhere when I do consume (sometimes while I'm still eating it :(, is not fun). Docs cant explain that either, told me I have a nervous stomach?! (Only happens when I eat red meat now, so I'm not buying the "it's all in your head" diagnoses anymore)

I do consume spinach (raw and cooked), black beans nearly every single day and eggs, but my ferritin is still super low. And I barely have a period, so we know it's not that. Doc has no idea why it's so low as I used to consume meat every single day with every meal except for breakfast!

Girlie, I have only ever tried to the SlowFe taken with my dinner meal to try and curb the nausea. I will try and find the Flora brand, thank you sooooo much!! If you aren't too low in the ferritin area, why not use that cast skillet to cook iron rich foods for awhile?

I dont know if Bart can do it to? I have symptoms of both Babs and Bart, but originally tested negative and received Bart as a clinical diagnoses. And with those red spots all over my body, I know it's one or both of them!!!

I'm glad you told me about the con of taking the iron too, since skin cancer is rampant in my family. I will keep on top of that.

I wonder if you can have symptoms with low ferritin - when the RBC and hemoglobin are normal (as is my case)?

Wondering if my constant cold feeling is related....