Question 1

do iron blood work measure the amount of iron inside the red blood cell? since every rbc can carry specific amount of iron how can  overdose occur ?

Accepted Answer

Basic biology: Serum iron measures how much is NOT in the red blood cells. This gives some estimate for what's available to make new red cells and otherwise carry on the body's business. You can become gravely ill if much more iron is stored than the red cells are carrying around. If you actually have hemochromatosis, please keep educating yourself -- untreated, it will kill you; treating it is easy. Best wishes

Question 2

what should blood iron levels be?

Accepted Answer

Iron levels: Serum iron level should be between 50 and 150 ug/dl. This would be listed on the blood test report. Most people would check a complete blood count first and a low iron level would be suggested by a low hemoglobin below 10 g/dl or a hematocrit level below 37%. These are just general numbers. Ask your doctor for an evaluation and lab if you are concerned.

Question 3

is a blood iron level of 21 low ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes. You should get a complete blood count and check what your hemoglobin level is to see if you are anemic and how anemic. You should also get an "iron profile" and ferritin test  to complete the testing for anemia.

Question 4

is high iron in the blood harmful?

Accepted Answer

Find why: Simply popping an iron-and-vitamin tablet before the blood draw can raise it, but we don't want to miss hemochromatosis, which affects maybe 1 person in 200 and will give you the blahs for years before it's diagnosed or makes you gravely sick.

Question 5

how do i raise my blood iron level?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency: Iron levels are raised by eating foods rich in iron - red meat & dark green, leafy vegetables. We absorb iron better from meat sources than vegetable ones. Iron can also be increased by taking supplements. The most important issue is to determine why the iron is low to begin with - is it just inadequate consumption or is iron being lost by bleeding of some sort? Please see your md to sort this out.

Question 6

will exercise help lower blood iron level?

Accepted Answer

No: Exercise does not lower blood iron levels.

Question 7

how quickly can i get iron back into my blood?

Accepted Answer

It depends: It depends on the type of foods you eat and whether or not you take supplemental iron pills.

Question 8

what is the appropriate level of iron in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Iron levels vary…: …for different ages & genders & for pregnancy & lactation. Iron supplements are rarely needed in adult men unless they have proven iron-deficiency anemia. Too much iron can be deposited in organs & caused damage (hemosiderosis). See chart for recommended amounts.

Question 9

would i lose a lot of iron if i lost 1 litre of blood?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You would lose about about 20% of your blood volume but you would make new red cells using iron stores in your bone marrow.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of having low iron in your blood?

Accepted Answer

Many: Pale skin
fatigue restless leg low endurance anemia palpitations.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Measuring iron in blood

A member asked:

Do iron blood work measure the amount of iron inside the red blood cell? since every rbc can carry specific amount of iron how can overdose occur ?

A member asked:

What should blood iron levels be?

A member asked:

Is a blood iron level of 21 low ?

A member asked:

Is high iron in the blood harmful?

A member asked:

How do i raise my blood iron level?

A member asked:

Will exercise help lower blood iron level?

A member asked:

How quickly can i get iron back into my blood?

A member asked:

What is the appropriate level of iron in the blood?

A member asked:

Would i lose a lot of iron if i lost 1 litre of blood?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of having low iron in your blood?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?