How to Raise Ferritin Levels Naturally
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- čas přidán 11. 06. 2024
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Have you tested your ferritin levels yet? If you’re dealing with symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or hormonal imbalances, it’s time to get this checked, because ferritin is one of the first lab indicators of low iron levels. That’s right - you might have early signs of insufficient iron and not even know it! Keep watching to find out how to raise your ferritin (and get some relief) using Functional Medicine!
Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean is a Functional Medicine Healthcare Provider, Speaker, Writer and Consultant with over a decade of experience in private practice. She offers a new perspective on chronic health conditions and, utilizing evidence-based, integrative, and CAM therapies, helps clients find root-cause solutions that actually work. Dr. Kate aims to help her clients understand “The Why” behind any health challenge, resulting in a wider variety of treatment options, better compliance, and lasting results. You can learn more about her work at www.drkateLD.com
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DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Information provided and the use of any products or services purchased DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any of the physicians affiliated with our CZcams channel. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I hope you enjoyed this video on raising ferritin levels! This is a super important issue that I address with my clients all the time. If you want to learn more, get your FREE Ferritin Boosting Checklist. www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Hello, I’m 73 yr. old lady. My labs as the doctor says good! Then why is my hair thinning and the ends of my eyebrows are virtually nonexistent.
There's a difference between "good" levels and optimum levels - from your symptoms, it could be subclinical hypothyroidism. Check out this video for more: czcams.com/video/govHgXQkUK0/video.html
What's the name of the supplement you recommend? I never saw you say it.
Kindly I need the free checklist of boosting ferritin
Here's the link to the checklist: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
I had low ferritin for a decade. Eating liver, spinach, red meat, dark chocolate, supplements.... nothing raised it. Then I discovered spirolina, and now my ferritin is in the low end of normal. 😊
Spirulina has a lot of iron in it, for sure! 👍🏼
Your doctor tests your ferritin?
how much spirulina did you take ?
Yes! We need copper in order to raise/balance the iron. Spirulina is awesome because it contains both as well as other nutrients.
It might be because of the copper which allows for proper utilisation of the iron.
I have Hashimoto’s. This past July, I suffered an acute attack of diverticulitis. And it was extremely stressful because I had c-diff infection , sepsis, flu type, B, and ulcerative colitis. It felt like the perfect storm that was trying to kill me. I even had the talk about if I was to die with my husband. I’m only 48 years old and I feel like I’m 90 . So I was expecting my hair to fall out three months later and sure enough it’s coming out in clumps now. My western primary care doctor thinks that anything above 12 is OK. And to get her to even test the ferritin. She argued against me doing that which I found funny, feels like she wants to keep me sick. There’s no money in a cured nation, right? I happen to come across this video and for the first time I actually feel like I have hope. I plan on ordering all of these products. If my doctor won’t help me, I’ve got to help myself. Thank you so much. 😊
I'm so sorry this happened, and I'm SO sorry you aren't being supported by your doctor. There IS hope! Here's the quick link to my ferritin-boosting supports (at 20% off) - www.drkateld.com/ferritin-boosters I definitely think your gut/absorption needs some TLC. Happy to help! 🧡
@@DrKateLyzengaDean thank you for posting that link, I just wanted everything, pricing was very reasonable and the 20% off helped a lot! The website was very easy to use, and I set up my account. I’m very pleased with how easy this all was ordering your products! Super happy customer from South Texas here. 😉❤️
Ask for this specific blood test: Trans ferritin saturation, Serum Iron & B12 hope this helps
Hooray! I'm so glad - thanks for letting me know! 🧡
@@DrKateLyzengaDeanIt's so nice of you to answer comments! Blessings
Thank you so much for addressing such an important topic 🙏🏼. Perimenopause and a 2 yr stint on a whole food plant based diet left me depleted of my ferritin. I went to the doctor so many times with all those symptoms and they tested or treated me for things like Covid, strep throat, EKG, allergies, thyroid, muscle weakness, etc. - never helped. Finally they tested my iron & ferritin and found that I was at a 9, from a normal range of 13-150. I spent 6 months trying to increase my numbers while still plant based (lots of lentils, beans, spinach, citrus, etc.) and was able to raise it only to 12. I decided to introduce meat back into my diet, particularly red meat, and within 3 months I raised it to 56 🎉. I’m feeling so much better already but still working on increasing it more, looking fwd to my next check in another 3 months. Scary how many issues this causes and how little recognized it is.
Glad you figured it out! 56 is MUCH better than 12 👍🏼
My situation is similar. My symptom was horizontal ridges in my nails, so my doctor tested my ferritin for the 1st time ever. I was exhausted, depressed, anxious & feeling weakness in the supposedly “healthiest” diet. Well, not for me. My d3 is also chronically low; these 2 are related.
Simular experience here too.
@monicarose2135 what are your levels now? Ferritin and d3
Exceptional information, well delivered. Thank you Dr Kate
Glad you found it helpful!
This is so good explanation Dr. Highly appreciate your presention of information.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. The method of delivery the background, the information everything was really enjoyable to listen and watch, and most importantly how to take action.
You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful
Thanks for your information Dr.
You're welcome!
You are definitely the best I watch several videos. The way you explain things your voice, and not rushing. May God bless you❤
Thanks for watching - glad you found them helpful!
Excellent video. Very informative and full of detail in a concise way without the fluff many CZcams videos suffer from. Been teetering on the lower end of the ferritin normal range for years, but I will now address it thanks to your video.
Thanks so much for your kind comment! And for watching!
Great video! Super helpful! Thank you!
Yay! So glad you found it helpful! 👍🏼
thank you so much for all this info Doctor, haven't seen this in another video and have seen many 🤍 so helpful 🤍 much love and light your way 🤍🤍🤍
I'm glad it was helpful for you!
This was a very thorough video!
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
Thanks for the info, doc!! ❤
You're most welcome!
Wow! You explained everything so well. We thank you for helping humanity get answer to this type of problems. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching! 🧡
Thank you so much: so timely for me specifically!
You're very welcome!
Great video/info. This is the first one of your videos I have watched . Thank you!
You're welcome! I hope you check out some of my other videos!
@@DrKateLyzengaDean yes I will ...thank you!
The most informative video I've watched on this subject . Thank you
Yay! Thanks for saying that - and for watching!
Of all the sources I viewed or read, your presentation gives me the best understanding of the causes and options to reach the optimal Ferritin levels I should strive for as a senior male. Plain and simple medical info that will help improve my anemic condition. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for this comment - SO glad to know that you find it helpful!
Wish all doctors were like her.
Thank you so much ☺️
Really the best explanation about iron and ferritine deficiency. It's so clear. Thank you so much doctor.
Wow - that's so great to hear. Thanks so much for watching (and commenting)!
I landed here by accident and found your video excellent👌🏼 Gr8 presenation, delivery and communication, found your content relevant, easy to understand and very relatable. TY 4 sharing your knowledge of this highly underdiagnosed but treatable deficiency. Everyone should have access to the proper testing and proper meds if needed, maybe one day 🙏🏼 Cheers
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Well detailed. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Loved your video and organized, detailed explanation about ferritin. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching!
Just THANK YOU doctor!
You're so VERY welcome!!! 🧡
Thank you dr kate♡
You're welcome 😊
Very helpful and informative thanks
Yay! So glad you found it helpful.
you're right dr Kate
Glad you agree!
Thank you! Currently my ferritin is 11 and that’s on 50mg elemental iron daily. Celiacs, hashimoto’s and reflux so I am struggling to intake iron. Fatigue is crazy though so considering the IV infusion. Little worried the doc says he breaks it down into 8 infusions to decrease the chance of reaction to it. Need my energy back to take care of 3 little kids. 🙏🙏 it works. Thanks for the additional resources while I figure this out. ❤️❤️
You're very welcome - glad you found it helpful!
Love this video, it is so comprehensive! Thank you!
Should I take my Iron supplement with thyroid medication in the morning, or will it limit absorption?
My ferritin is 4.8, hemoglobin is 8(consistently between 8-10 since I was13) & I'm prescribed Socril in the morning with 125mg Thyronorm, Polybion in the morning, B-Active in the afternoon after meals.
Please do respond doctor!
I'd recommend taking thyroid medication separately from all other supplements, just to be safe.
Awesome content thank you.
You're welcome!
Great video, thanks. I started having hair loss and it was anemia caused by drinking tea, and taking high dose zinc. I am now taking high dose heme iron and stopped drinking tea and taking high dose zinc. I also started taking B9 and B12 since they're required along with iron for red blood cell production.
You're welcome! Glad you found the video helpful!
Thank you!
You bet! Hope you found it helpful!
Thanks for the video, I have ferritin of 10 and overall body swellings, heart issues, troubles with breathing. Today nothing changed just has taken iron+vitaminC supplement and just in 2 hours I am easier to breath❤
You're very welcome! I'm glad you're getting some relief!
Excellent explantation, clear and easy to understand ! Thank you. ! My hematologist & primary doctor recommend taking Easy Iron and eating red meats. Possibly a IV infusion if needed. (Yuk) I have digestive issues which make it difficult to take iron supplements. I use Betaine & another natural dietary supplements ….somewhat helpful. My doctor ordered a H. Pylori test (I have not had yet) I’m going to check out your recommendations, and hopefully get to somewhat the bottom of these issues. Dr how do you feel about intermuscular iron injection?
I've read that iron infusions are less painful and have fewer side effects than intramuscular iron injections. Be sure to sign up for the Ferritin Checklist - all my recommendations are there: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Really great video.
Thanks so much for watching!
Perfect, thank you.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful!
Fabulous video, very comprehensive!!
I wish more dorctors and health care practitioners shared the cause-effect correlations with the patients, thank you for doing this!!
I have a question, having Hashimoto and, obviously, all the bodily processes slowing down, including iron absorption, and Candida overgrowth which doesn’t allow direct iron supplementation, what would be the best strategy to improve ferritin levels in this case? Thank you
I'd start with the gut - perhaps a Functional Digestive Analysis to determine exactly what needs support (candida often brings "friends" along for the ride) and coming up with a strategy to address intestinal hyper-permeability. Happy to help! Here's one option for gut testing: www.drkateld.com/gi-map-test-info
Very useful 🤝
Glad you found it helpful!
Caused periodic limb movement disorder, muscle pain, heart palpitations, chest pain, pulsatile tinnitus plus the fatigue and others mentioned. I was sick way too many yrs with "normal" ferritin of 18.
It's an unfortunately common story - sorry you had to go through that!
Thank you! Articulate and to the point! 👌
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so So Much. Im sick monthly and it is depleting me and very depressing. I’m dealing with h pylori and low iron stores, I will be taking a round of antibiotics and have had IV iron recently. I have noticed my nails are growing. I want to feel better.
I'm sorry you're dealing with this - did you download the ferritin-boosting checklist? It should help you figure out a long-term ferritin plan! Here's the link: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thank you!I learned a lot.I donate blood and my hemoglobin goes down three points so I have to build it up again. I think it’s good to donate my English nanny worked for Red Cross. My hair has been falling out but my hair is still thick, my thyroid is low. I feel better after I donate blood,My nephew has hemochromatosis,my daughter has ET. You help me understand
Glad you found it helpful!
Since going carnivore , mostly red meat over last ue, my hair has come back ,my energy levels have skyrocketed. Dod it to reverse t2d, but now wondering if my ferritin/iron was low! Very intertrsting. Age 64 and best labs iny lifetime, now on zero meds
❤
ANOTHER carnivore success story ... I'd be vegan if I could but I get way too anemic without animal sources - but they're mostly chicken/turkey when I do have it. I think I better look into this deeper - I do NOT want to have to move to beef/pork that I haven't eaten in over 20 yrs 😢😭
For the record, I'm not a proponent of strict carnivore - it's too hard to get your anti-oxidants without fruits and veggies! And there's not good published research to support such an extreme nutritional strategy - at least not yet. For most things, including food, moderation and balance is the way to go.
So glad to hear you are feeling great! How much meat did you have to eat to reverse t2d? Thank you for sharing.
It’s a marvellous way to eat. The Proper human diet ❤ fruits and veggies are for animals to eat but for humans the lack of bioavailability and difficulty digesting of plants can be distressing to the body
Oxalate lectins and other anti nutrients are not for us. Good published research on any diet doesn’t exist and likely never will but thousands of successful cases of anecdotal evidence are impossible to ignore
My Ferritin is a 14 and my estradiol is 360. Im so tired and seem to not be able to lose weight. This video is helpful!!
So glad you found it helpful!
Dr, Kate, you mentioned that Milk of Magnesia as a product that depletes iron. Is the magnesium the culprit or is some other product in the M.O.M. that depletes iron? I am not taking M.O.M. but have been supplementing with magnesium citrate for years. I thank you in advance for your response. Very informative video.
M.O.M. specifically interfered with absorption of iron in the gut. Magnesium citrate doesn't have the same effect.
Thank you for the video. Easiest to understand format I've heard. What would your suggestion be if you had borderline high serum iron along with low ferritin? (28)
Thanks so much - glad to hear it was helpful and easy to understand! I can't make a specific suggestion here, but you could consider looking at other micronutrients involved with iron utilization and storage - I think of methylated B vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium. 👍🏼
@@DrKateLyzengaDean Thanks, I wondered about B vitamin absorption even though my diet isn't lacking.
Just subscribed ! ❤
Thanks for subbing!
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
My ferritin is at 8!! Even after taking heme iron, faramax, liquid iron all with vit C.. Nothing has brought it up, now my doctor is finally considering infusion. Tiredness is underrated i dont know what its like to not feel tired. The mornings are the worst!! I had h pylori 10 years ago omg the 14 pills for 14 days nearly killed me. The worst bug to ever have and get rid of. I stuck out the 14 pills
I was down to 90lbs so sick from it but to this day its still gone! Stool test and breath test. Once you test positive you’ll always test positive.
Could be an absorption issue leftover from gut dysbiosis! Iron infusion will be a temporary boost, but if you're gut is still unbalanced, you'll still have issues maintaining. I'd dig deeper into comprehensive gut health (not just h. pylori) if I were you!
I had Hpylori too! The absolute worse! Glad you’re doing well. I also have low ferritin levels.
@@DrKateLyzengaDeangood to know thank you!
What were your symptoms of hpylori?@@dani23dani85
I also got hpylori , which leads to low ferritin. Also having very bad Gerd symptoms. No relief. Now I am trying jarrow’s mastic gum and DGL . Hopefully, I will get some results.
I have been anemic since childhood. Coming from an Italian mediterranian background, I eat very well and have always been thin. I have taken iron cap Ferrex 150mg along with vitamin c tab for many years, but I have always wanted to get to the root of the problem. I have had my iron labs taken many times and I was really low end at some point and now I'm in range but on the lower end of the scale. I will ask my pcp for a ferritin test. Thank you Dr. Kate and any suggestions would be appreciated. Blessings
Glad you found it helpful! 👍🏼 You may find some of the strategies in the free checklist helpful - the link to download is in the video description for you!
I’ve had low ferritin and iron for years, even after supplements! Thanks so much for this video, you have a great way of presenting information. I’ve just subscribed.
Dr. Thanks for this video, so detailed to help understand. I do have my ferritin at 10. And my hair has been falling for years now 😞 I do need digestive enzymes because my digestion is weak. What iron supplement do you recommend? Please.
I'm so glad you found it helpful! All of my recommended supplements (including my favorite for iron) are found in the FREE Ferritin boosting checklist - sign up here: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thanks for the video Dr.
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. Happened to me from overdosing zinc.
Thanks!
Thanks
You're welcome!
Most of my life I’ve had all the symptoms of very low ferritin big time. My ferreting is now over 150. I eat a mostly Keto diet+ tart cherry juice, beet and pomegranate juice.
Glad you found a solution that works for you!
Thank you ❤
You're welcome 😊
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!
When I retired I started donating blood every 8 weeks. Now I have IDA and am fighting to get my Ferritin up from a low of 12. I had upper and lower GI scopes to rule out any other cause of blood loss, my Dr. did not want to assume it was the donations . H. pylori was negative, Restoration is not a rapid process- so far only up to 28 in 5 months of heme iron supplementation.
This is the perfect example of when additional, non-iron support can be helpful - like absorption-improving probiotics, Vitamin C, and others. Lots more info in my Functional Hair Growth Checklist - sign up here: www.drkateld.com/free-hair-re-growth-checklist-signup
I saw this just in time because my iron test was low and I have been shopping for an iron supplement. Of course my lab results say my ferritin is in the "safe" range, but I don't think 49 is the number I'm looking for 😮 So thank you for bringing my attention to this! I downloaded your ferritin guide so hopefully I can get myself on track and stop sleeping my life away. Again, Thank you!
You're so welcome! Glad it worked out - and thanks for watching!
Loved your artistic deliverance of your great information...Thanks Doctor ,,,,please suggest what to do for the general problems of gut ,eating what foods etc
Check out my video library for more topics like gut health and food choices! 👍🏼
Tganks.
👍🏼
This video is what I was looking for! Very helpful. I’ve been recently diagnosed with low ferritin (13) although my red cells and iron level is in the middle of the scale. I experienced shortness of breath and very fast heartbeat with faint-like episodes. After 3 months of taking iron (25mg) ferritin level increased to 25. But I developed new symptoms headache and dizziness. Since 1months I’m taking 40mg of iron in the mornings and 17mg in the afternoons but headaches and dizziness haven’t stopped. Do you think this symptoms are caused by ferritin level or this could be something else? Thank you
Sounds like there are some underlying inflammatory issues involved - I always look to the gut (digestive tract) first when these kinds of symptoms appear! Did you see the gut-focused recommendations in the free Ferritin Checklist? www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
I’m curious, did your fast heartbeat improve?
Hi Kate ! Thank you so much for the video ..I am a 41 year old male I have had fatigue weaknesses , poor concentration for the last 5 months. My ferritin was 21 5 months ago and my gp gave me ferritin tablets and my ferritin went up to 33 and I stopped taking pills but I still have the symptoms.. I had another blood test my ferritin dropped back to 27 … What would you suggest ? Thank you
You could use some of my suggestions in my ferritin boosting checklist to get your levels into optimal range and then assess if it's the root cause of your symptoms or not - lots of things can cause fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration. Here's the checklist for you: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thanks, great video.
Very important to include in list viamin C but also *COPPER*
👍
Copper is an important part of iron absorption, BUT it's easy to get TOO much copper, so I rarely suggest taking it unless I know for sure it's low.
@@DrKateLyzengaDean
Thanks for these information.
👍
Just hit peri-menopause and boy oh boy… it def affected my ferritin and GI 😢 This was so informative thank you Dr. Kate!
The struggle is real - let me know if I can help!
@@DrKateLyzengaDean Watching this now and OMGsh, I have all of this and the slight dizzyness is happening too!. My digestion is all messed up too. I think this is the video/info I need immediately!
So glad you found it helpful! Lots of options for sorting out digestion and absorption! 👍🏼
Same. I wonder why perimenopause affects ferritin.
Morning Doctor
Can low Vitamin b12 be linked with Low Ferritin please?
Low absorption could be the underlying reason for both, certainly!
Oh my, this was very informative! My CBC from last week revealed my Ferretin to be 1! My doctor prescribed an iron supplement and vitamin d and wants me to retest in 2 weeks. This is all so overwhelming and scary too. I’ve always been anemic to some extent but it’s just another level at the moment.
Oof! That's definitely too low! Be sure to check out my Ferritin-boosting checklist for additional options: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
I'd get infusion
I was symptomatic with short of breath after a heavy cycle. My ferritin was 2. SCARY
Your Dr. should have sent you for a transfusion, especially if your hemoglobin was low too. My ferritin has been that low and my hemoglobin was 67 when I was transfused. I was barely able to walk. At the very least an infusion. Please fight for yourself, I know it is hard when you feel bad but you have to.
Thank you so much for explaining this. I used to take iron and B-12 everyday and for some reason stopped years ago and now my health is going downhill and I’m losing my hair.
Glad you found the info helpful!
This video has been so informative. Thank you. I have very high B12 - right now it is over 1800. (not a typo). I have had neuropathy for @ 26 years and was able to keep it from getting bad by taking a Nerve Support Formula that had several B vitamins - and B 12. I have stopped that now because of the B12 being so high. Could that be a false high reading - and is this a serious concern? Or should I continue with Nerve Support Formula. I am in the process of raising my blood levels. I started on dried liver in capsules, eating more iron rich foods and I raised my Ferritin from 6 to 41 in one month. My iron was 21 and it is now 109 - one month. I just hope I can keep it that way.
Thanks for watching! My optimal range for B12 goes up to 1500, so in theory I wouldn't be seriously concerned. I would just want to make sure you're getting to the root of your neuropathy. You could always take the other ingredients in the formula and just back down on the B12! But generally your body doesn't store excess B12 so it has a really low risk of toxicity. Hope that helps!
I just want to add that there is a connection between low ferritin and thyroid problems. I don't want to say much more about it because it's not well known and people like to challenge these things. Im off my thyroid meds and only feel better about that. Fix that ferritin people!
Yes! Definitely a connection between thyroid and ferritin - check out my other videos for more on that topic 👍🏼
The are several things that mess with thyroid, but drs. will test tsh. Wish they would make conventional drs. learn more about this because they treat it.
You’re off your thyroid meds, but your thyroid is affecting your ferritin?
so Dr Which iron supplements u suggest plsss reply?? is derma iron from advanced trichology good???
Here's a link to my ferritin-boosting checklist - you'll find my recommended supports here (and you can get them for 20% off!): www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thank you for talking about that, I have a question Can I have a high iron but low ferritin ?
It is possible!
I suffered with absolute CLASSIC anemic symptoms for years (craving ice, hair loss, fatigue, freezing cold, pallor). But only my hemoglobin/hematocrit were tested. Finally convinced doc to test ferritin, it was at the very low end of range but "normal." I'm always amazed that the range can be so large and the idea of increasing ferritin, even to mid range seems like blasphemy.
I agree - it's frustrating!
Thank u mam
Most welcome 😊
Hi Dr Kate, I've always had low ferritin. I was tested for Hemochromitosis which came back positive. I was told by my specialist to look at my TSat % if to high that's when i donate, but every time i donate my ferritin goes lower than before donating, i just can't seem to find a balance & never symptom free always so tired/fatigued.
I have been told to take iron sups (maltofer) but scared my iron & tsats will rise not my ferritin.
Hi, Jillian - so sorry you're in this predicament. For Hemochromatosis, the key is going to be monitoring your levels so that you can thread that needle. That said, there are MANY other reasons you could be experiencing fatigue - perhaps time to dig deeper! Happy to help - here's some info on working with me: bit.ly/drkate1on1
Great video! If one's ferrtin or iron is low, how much of an iron supplement should a woman (monopausal) take per day? I see very differdng doses that people state to take.
Iron absorption is limited, so if you have a well-absorbed form of iron you can go pretty low dose and still get an effect. But it depends on the person and requires monitoring! You can see my recommendations in the ferritin boosting checklist here: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thanks for the informative video.:-) I'm interested to know what "extreme circumstances" are that justify an iron infusion. My ferritin is 14 - is that "extreme" or is a high quality supplement with iron-rich diet good enough?
Great question - typically, I reserve iron infusions for folks who have low iron levels as well as low ferritin. It's a "rescue" for overt anemia. A ferritin of 14 is pretty low, but I've seen worse 😆 and those folks responded well to the protocols I outline in the ferritin checklist - give it 3 months, re-test, and see how you do! 👍🏼 Here's the checklist if you haven't downloaded it yet: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
@@DrKateLyzengaDean When you say low iron, do you mean haemoglobin? (Mine is okay at 136g/L). If it's just ferritin I need to increase then I have the checklist to follow. I'll give it three months and then retest. Feeling much more hopeful now, thank you! 😃
Haemoglobin is one way to measure iron in the red blood cells, yes. I think your plan sounds great! 😁
My doc wants me to keep my ferritin above 20. 16 is too low for me per her. Pls continue the iron pills with vitamin C.
I’m still losing hair 😢
I happened to find your video and am hopeful. But have a few questions. After a year of being on an OTC iron supplement witch Vit C (Vitron C)...taking them every other day my Serum Ferritin went from 7 to 14. After taking them daily for 2-3 months my level is still only at 17. My GYN doesn't have anymore suggestions for me. I see your list of suggested supplements. I don't tolerate pills well, but curious if you suggest that I start on the Hemagenics and Potent C? Or all 4 supplements at once?? What ferritin levels should I hope to see after 3 months? Are these supplements something we have to take for life? Ideally i'd get to the root cause, and how do I fix that???
Hi, there! Sounds like you need to work on absorption of iron, not iron intake! Given your lack of luck with your current protocol (you should definitely see more improvement than that in a year!), I'd go all-out and start as many of the supports on my list as you can tolerate. Sometimes it helps to start them slowly, one at a time. As for what to expect and how long to take them, that's a more individualized question than I can answer here, but if you'd like more specific support you're welcome to apply for a one-on-one consultation with me! Here's some info about that: bit.ly/drkate1on1
Hello,
Do you happen to do virtual appointments for someone who resides in Oregon?
Yep! I do have clients in Oregon - here's some info about applying for a consult with me: bit.ly/drkate1on1
What about foods or other activities that block iron absorption? Caffeine? Dairy? Exercise?
Tannins from tea, coffee, and wine can bind iron - certain forms and quantities of dairy can increase the pH of the stomach, making iron (and other minerals) harder to absorb. Exercise that breaks blood vessels (high-impact activities) can reduce iron because of lost blood cells.
Hi there. So glad I found you. I had a couple questions. Do you know if its true that low ferritin can cause chest pain? My ferritin is a 3 and iron 29. Also, I have low T3 and Testosterone, can all these low levels be related?
Definitely agree that they could all be related!
Can you take ferritin supplement before having the lab work done? I was able to answer yes to several of the symptons for low ferritin levels
Absolutely! Be sure and get them for 20% off through my online Fullscript dispensary: us.fullscript.com/plans/drkateld-ferritin-boosting-supplements
Well.... This video is a very good one as far as course of action to take when you have am iron deficiency, if below 70, but it's also terribly MISLEADING when it comes to diagnosing the condition properly. An optimal range shouldn't exceed 200 and at 200 you could still have too much iron. It's the transferrin saturation that will tell you whether you have too much iron or are just inflammated either as a result of a bad diet or an infection.
Yes, calcium does interfere with iron absorption and so do zinc, tannins, and curcumin.
This video is for people with low ferritin - and I think you might be mixing up ferritin with iron levels. In men, the standard range for ferritin can be as high as 400ng/ml, not 200. And tranferrin can be an important indicator of free vs. bound iron in the serum, but it's a different measure than ferritin. Again, this video is not meant to diagnose anything - it's to help people who already know or suspect they may have latent iron depletion (low ferritin). Thanks for watching!
My 20 year old is having gluten issues... her iron is low and her ferritin although not real low it's 89... but her iron is 22.. we just had her blood drawn... but all the things I'm reading could be a gluten allergy that is causing the low iron. Her hair is thinning. She eats a whole food diet, no fast food diet (avoiding seed oils), etc. I hope we can see some good results just by going completely off gluten.
Gluten intolerance can certainly cause anemia! And it's becoming more and more common. Sounds like going gluten-free is a good idea for her.
Thank you so much Dr Kate for explaining very clearly.
I am having severely low iron 10.3, but my hemoglobin is okay. The issue is that i have anal fissure and can't afford risking with constipation. I tried few supplements but left due to retear in my ano. I am so dead tired, 60 percent hairloss and having chest pain or heartbeat changes. How can i increase my iron levels without getting constipation ??Gp doesn't help much.
I'd recommend combining my favorite non-constipating iron supplement with a probiotic that increases iron absorption - you can find both at this link: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-boosters
Drink aloe Vera juice most days to loosen and soften your stool. Swedish bitter capsules will have a mild laxative effect, as can magnesium citrate. Stay away from bread.
Iron infusion
Wow, how ironic this video pops up because I was just told by my dermatologist that my ferritin for my hair was extremely low and thus possibly why I was experiencing thinning and now I am taking ferrous sulfate w/ vitamin c to regulate my ferritin.
Love to hear it!
I was seriously having trouble breathing. Literally could not breathe. And I was having panic attacks. Found out my ferritin level is 7.😳 The whole ordeal has been terrifying!
I'm so sorry this happened! Sounds scary - hope these resources help!
I too was a 7, similar symptoms &
be feeling 90
Mines a 5 and feel horrible.
Do you suggest taking Geritol? I've started taking it along with my supplement.
Unfortunately, the type/form of iron isn't listed on the ingredients of this product, so I can't speak to its effectiveness. 🤷🏼♀️
Hi, two months ago, my iron level was within normal range but my ferritin level was 9. My hair is falling out like crazy, can’t lose weight, and cognitive impairment is worsening. I have a history of H-pylori (5 yrs ago). I’ve been on Levothyroxine for three years and told by doc that thyroid function has improved. I recently began taking iron supplements and increasing heme iron intake but symptoms are not improving. Would you recommend iron infusions at this point?
While I can't speak to your specific situation here, I would encourage you to look to your gut health to boost iron absorption...otherwise any infusion you get will be a temporary band-aid.
I need to check my levels with my next blood draw.
Good idea - be sure to grab the FREE checklist so you have it when you get your results: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Where is the recommendation for the supplements, please?
Here's the signup for the checklist (with suggested supplements included): www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thank you for this informative video. I'm having a weird issue where my ferritin is at the very lowest end of the normal range, but serum iron levels are abnormally high, and if I take any kind of iron supplement then ferritin still barely moves but serum iron goes abnormally high to the extreme. So I'm stuck not being able to raise my ferritin and having all the problems associated with that (fatigue, poor sleep, etc). It's odd that my serum iron should be high at all as I'm vegan and even without supplements it's too high. When I've tried to troubleshoot this with doctors they just shrug and tell me not to worry about it, but since I'm borderline anaemic I want to be able to address this without causing more problems. Have you ever heard of this situation before?
I would check your other micronutrients and optimize those - especially because of your vegan diet. Things like amino acids and B vitamins can influence your blood cells just as much as iron itself.
My ferritin is 235 . Its been high about 2 years now. I been eating low carb since but more in protein since i was diagnose with many issues like fatty Liver and high cholesterol . Lowering my carb intake helps but not my ferritin. So now i watch ur video i will start not eating meat since my Doc ordered me every 3 Months ferritin check . Thank u i just pray IT will Help for me.
Decreasing intake should help! 👍🏼
Dr kate ,
I had my ferritin levels
Checked at my Doctors
and it was extremely low
But I'm never tired I've so much
energy and I'm 60 ,
any advice would be appreciated.
I'd suggest downloading my free Ferritin Boosting Checklist - lots of resources and advice in there to help you raise those levels! Here's the link: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
@@DrKateLyzengaDeanThank you so much for your quick response
I will check them out.
Thank you for this! I have had extremely low ferritin and hemoglobin for many years with zero answers. Everything tested, scoped etc. I’ve been transfused and infused so much. I do take Dexilant for reflux and I take an iron liposomal supplement with added micronutrients too. I had h pylori in my early 20’s. I’m 51.5 now. I had treated it. I recently have discovered I have extremely low thyroid levels and now take thyroid supplementation now. I’m wondering and I had asked this of both my GP and the hematologist, as to that being the cause. I’m thinking it is. I’m going to start that probiotic you suggested in this video. Can you explain more the thyroid connection?
Hi, there! I have several other videos in my library that go deeper into thyroid dysfunction - check 'em out!
@@DrKateLyzengaDean Perfect, thank you.
I wish more doctors really knew all of this information and didn’t just brush it off. My ferretin levels are in the 20s which I think is really low but docs don’t say anything about it and I have all the symptoms you spoke about.
That's frustrating! Be sure to check out your options via my checklist: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
Thank you Dr. Kate! At what point would you recommend an iron infusion? I just had my levels checked and my ferritin is .10 and iron 34. My dr said to take 2x iron supplement (130 mg) every other day but another dr (got a second opinion) recommended an IV infusion with ferritin that low. My vitamin D went from 89 to 5 within a year so Im on high dose weekly for vitamin D. IgG, IgA, and IgM came back negative for celiacs but I do have the Celiac gene. Haven't done the endoscopy biopsy but was told to go gluten free. Thyroid and all other tests normal. They don't know what could be causing these issues.
I can't speak to your specific situation here, but my clients in the past with levels that low have benefitted from infusions. I agree that going gluten free could help improve your micronutrient absorption!
@@DrKateLyzengaDean Thank you!
Super interesting. Just out of curiosity, what do you think of Ferrous Fumarate 45 mg/daily to address this issue. Also, I have heard that taking iron supplements in any form can compromise gut microbial health for the worse as most pathogenic bacteria and viruses will gain traction quickly given that they are drawn to and love to feed off iron. In the long run this can lead to a gut microbial imbalance for the worse.
Good question - most of the leading Functional experts recommend iron bisglycinate for best absorption and gut tolerance, though at least one that I know of also recommends ferrous fumarate (but a much higher dose). I'm in the bisglycinate camp because so many folks struggle with digestive side effects when taking iron. It's true that "bad bugs" can benefit from iron in the gut and body, but ferritin binds it, making it unavailable to the bugs. Also, at the end of the day, if you need iron you need iron - cleaning up the gut bugs first may be a good solution, but that's a big undertaking. Thanks for the good question - interesting stuff, isn't it? 👍🏼
@@DrKateLyzengaDean Super Interesting Many thanks for the response. I am on the low side but cause is being investigated via hematologist through a 4 consecutive specific blood marker tests to get an average and better idea He told me being slightly lower may not any different than being slightly higher as the ranges used are not an exact science. So being slightly lower may be normal for me individually. As I have not always been big on exercise, and issue showed up when I was superactive for months, particularly with running(extreme 4 minute ion and off HIIT sessions), I wondered if that contributed to this given the association between the significant increase n hepcidin which inhibits the body’s ability to absorb iron combined with the increased loss of iron through excessive sweating.
Quick question. Can we take our iron supplement at the same time as probiotics or digestive enzymes?
Yes to digestive enzymes - I'd suggest taking the probiotic separately
Iron 121
Ferritin 193
Functional dr not worried about it.
My reg Md I had yrs and yrs ago was very concerned and said I need to give blood to lower it. I have had many many yrs of high ferritin. Had full hysterectomy in 1998 never took hormones.
Hi, there! Your iron levels are not outside my optimal range, and your ferritin isn't outside the range by much. Levels tend to be very high in hemochromatosis. If you don't trust your Functional Doctor's opinion, might be time for a new one 😉
Thank you. I really need to work with someone like you as my current medical provider is KP (Medicare Advantage Plus) & a "physical' consists of blood pressure, weight, temperature, brief check of the heart & lungs with a stethoscope. Doctors cannot spend more than 15 minutes with any patient. I have a complicated medical history & there is no examination of existing surgical sites, skin, glands or really anything else. There is no discussion of any issues. My history is essentially unknown to my PCP. I asked for & got a CBC because I feel so tired so much of the time that I wanted to check for anemia. I definitely have iron deficiency anemia. I am vegan (except for occasional eggs or fish/seafood). Is there a place to find functional medical care in Northern CA (Solano, Yolo & Sacramento County area)?
It's so frustrating, isn't it? I work with clients in Northern CA via virtual consultation, but I don't know of any local practitioners to recommend.