Question 1

my son is 21 yrs old. his iron is at 233 ug/dl. his bilirubin came back at 1.6 mg/dl. he does not take an iron suplt nor does he drink. is this # high for someone his age? would a person with leukemia come back with these numbers? it runs in family?

Accepted Answer

: The blood tests you have reported are not affected by Leukemia.
The mild elevation of bilirubin can run in families . it is considered harmless and not be pursued further.

Question 2

just had 2 iron infusions (anemia due to very heavy periods and ppi use). lab work 1 week after infusions shows a high alt level (42) and ast higher than usual also (27). both are usually in the teens- related to the infusion? i do not drink?

Accepted Answer

Could be: It could also be an intercurrent viral infection. One reading that is still in or near the normal range is not a cause for concern. You may wish to talk to the doctor who ordered the tests.
Your doctor can prescribe oral contraceptive that can limit your period to once a year.
Wish you good health!

Question 3

i understand that you cannot drink alcohol when blood iron levels are elevated, but what is the impact of marijuana use on hemochromatosis patients?

Accepted Answer

Brain damage: Marijuana is a psychoactive drug and will mess with your brain with or without hemochromatosis.
Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 4

my last ferritin readings were 341 and 368, i'm 42/male. can ferritin increase from a swollen elbow or osteoarthritis? esr/crp/ana normal. my iron profile was normal except for elevated ferritin. im fit and dont drink. metabolic panel normal, hfe neg

Accepted Answer

No concern: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, your ferritin levels are not a cause for concern.
Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 5

can drinking milk everyday lower your iron?

Accepted Answer

Depends on age: A young child  tends to be iron deficient. If he or she  drinks excessive milk this can lead to worse iron deficiency. Milk buffers stomach acid and stomach acid is needed for efficient absorption of iron.  Vit c containing juices enhance iron absorption.  At 67 iron deficiency is a reason to have a complete check up.

Question 6

can drinking coke affect your level of iron?

Accepted Answer

LOWER IRON ABSORB: Caffeine may lower iron absorption  
take iron about 2 hours after caffeine may improve iron absorption.

Question 7

can drinking too much soda affect iron levels?

Accepted Answer

I have seen reports: that it can, although I am not sure of the mechanism, but it has to be a LOT of soda.  The major problem with lots of soda is the calories, and it is a major contributor to the epidemic of overweight, obese and diabetic individuals in the US and western world. It appears to reduce iron absorption in some people. You are far better off with water which is cheaper, healthier and doesn't affect iron.

Question 8

can drinking milk everyday could lower your iron level?

Accepted Answer

Doubt so in adults: In infants less than 1 year of age,  experts say never to give cow milk as it has low iron levels and in the very young iron absorption is  messed up by milk/calcium in general.  In adults i believe this is much less of an issue, assuming you have no anemia to begin with.  I think an adult would have to drink a lot of milk to effect their iron levels.  Theoretically possible though!

Question 9

which type of food/drink can i have to bring up my iron level?

Accepted Answer

Supplemental iron: How do you know that you have low iron? If you are anemic, you should be evaluated for the cause. Over the counter iron supplements are the easiest way to increase body content of iron, but i would not recommend self treatment without evaluation by your doctor.

Question 10

when to take my iron food if i want to drink coffee in consideration of its tannins ?

Accepted Answer

Iron and food: TIPS FOR TAKING IRON
Iron is absorbed the best on an empty stomach. Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem.
Milk, calcium and antacids should NOT be taken at the same time as iron supplements. 
You should wait at least 2 hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.
Foods that you should NOT eat at the same time as you take your iron include:
•	High fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran
•	Foods or drinks with caffeine
Some doctors suggest taking a vitamin C supplement or drinking orange juice with your iron pill. This can help the iron absorb into your body. Drinking 8 ounces of fluid with an iron pill is also ok.

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Doctor answers about:

Drinks high in iron

A member asked:

My son is 21 yrs old. his iron is at 233 ug/dl. his bilirubin came back at 1.6 mg/dl. he does not take an iron suplt nor does he drink. is this # high for someone his age? would a person with leukemia come back with these numbers? it runs in family?

A member asked:

Just had 2 iron infusions (anemia due to very heavy periods and ppi use). lab work 1 week after infusions shows a high alt level (42) and ast higher than usual also (27). both are usually in the teens- related to the infusion? i do not drink?

A member asked:

I understand that you cannot drink alcohol when blood iron levels are elevated, but what is the impact of marijuana use on hemochromatosis patients?

A member asked:

My last ferritin readings were 341 and 368, i'm 42/male. can ferritin increase from a swollen elbow or osteoarthritis? esr/crp/ana normal. my iron profile was normal except for elevated ferritin. im fit and dont drink. metabolic panel normal, hfe neg

A member asked:

Can drinking milk everyday lower your iron?

A member asked:

Can drinking coke affect your level of iron?

A member asked:

Can drinking too much soda affect iron levels?

A member asked:

Can drinking milk everyday could lower your iron level?

A member asked:

Which type of food/drink can i have to bring up my iron level?

A member asked:

When to take my iron food if i want to drink coffee in consideration of its tannins ?

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