Question 1

what may be the reason for anemia not responding to iron supplementation?

Accepted Answer

Different types: There are hundreds of types of anemia, which are divided into three categories - anemia caused by blood loss, by faulty or decreased red blood cell production, or by increased destruction of blood cells. If the anemia is due to excess blood loss such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, cancer, use of nsaids, menstruation, childbirth etc, it is important to treat the underlying cause of anemia first.

Question 2

is iron supplementation ever warranted if ferritin is somewhat low? 30 ng/ml(ref 6-137). no anemia, normal cbc. i know gp needs to guide meds, but curious if low ferritin can cause symptoms. can b12 injections for def. use up iron stores?

Accepted Answer

: If your Hemoglobin is normal(12-13 Gms. for females), there is no reason to test any further.
Your Ferritin is in the normal range, so you do not need iron supplements.

Question 3

iron 27,  tibc is 437 , transferin saturation 6. does this show iron defeciency anemia? and a reason for some fatigue? should i be taking iron ?

Accepted Answer

Are you anemic?: You are anemic if and only if you hemoglobin is low, but iron deficiency can make you tired before anemia happens. These labs say "iron deficient", most likely. If this is from very heavy periods and/or non-supplementing vegetarianism, iron supplements are in order, but the cause needs to be found first -- even at your age, it's a bleeding ulcer or stomach cancer until proved otherwise.

Question 4

i haven't hit puberty and im 16, i had/have mild iron deficiency anemia, is this the reason why i haven't hit puberty? i have a poor apetite as well?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Mild iron deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms by stopping puberty altogether is not one of them.The process requires the input of hormones & target tissue in the body. Failure to enter puberty by 14 in girls & 15 in boys requires an evaluation by a pediatric endocrinologist.Seek one out (and take some iron anyway).

Question 5

how many days does it take for anemia symptoms to disappear after iron supplementation?

Accepted Answer

Months: Usually it may take a few months for all anemia symptoms to completely disappear after oral iron therapy, with intravenous iron therapy symptoms are resolved faster in 1-2 months.

Question 6

ferratin 8, hemo 11, iron sat 10, iron 34. dr said take a iron supplement. i think i need an infusion because its mild anemia. which one?

Accepted Answer

Iron supplement: as per your doctor's recommendation, iron infusions aren't indicated in your condition

Question 7

can you tell me if i should be concerned about anemia and an iron supplement?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: I do not have enough information to be able to answer your question. If you are concerned about anemia, please see a doctor and tell the doctor you concerns. The doctor can perform testing (complete blood count) to determine if you are anemic.

Question 8

please tell me how long it takes for to cure anemia with assistance of iron supplement?

Accepted Answer

Usual pace of: Improvement is 4-6 weeks, may be longer to complete normalization of hemoglobin.

Question 9

if you have low iron stores following a blood test, can that lead to anemia? is there a recommended dosage of iron supplement to help restore levels.

Accepted Answer

Yes and yes: The first thing to go down low is the iron storage. If you don't fix it- eventually you are going to become anemic. Yes, you can take iron supplement by mouth 3x/day. But most importantly is to find why your iron is low. You should have a GI work-up- egd and colonosocpy and check your urine- to check blood in urine. If + blood in urine- you need imaging study, perhaps  urologist etc. Go to see gp.

Question 10

what to do if i have anemia, and was wondering how i could get a better iron intake without a supplement, or even with a supplement that won't make me sick?

Accepted Answer

See below: If you can not tolerate oral iron, you may discuss getting an IV infusion of iron. It can generally be done in one sitting.
You may also try iron rich foods. You may consult this site for info on foods: http://www.webmd.com/diet/iron-rich-foods#1
For 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.

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Doctor answers about:

What may be the reason for anemia not responding to iron supplementation

A member asked:

What may be the reason for anemia not responding to iron supplementation?

A member asked:

Is iron supplementation ever warranted if ferritin is somewhat low? 30 ng/ml(ref 6-137). no anemia, normal cbc. i know gp needs to guide meds, but curious if low ferritin can cause symptoms. can b12 injections for def. use up iron stores?

A member asked:

Iron 27, tibc is 437 , transferin saturation 6. does this show iron defeciency anemia? and a reason for some fatigue? should i be taking iron ?

A member asked:

I haven't hit puberty and im 16, i had/have mild iron deficiency anemia, is this the reason why i haven't hit puberty? i have a poor apetite as well?

A member asked:

How many days does it take for anemia symptoms to disappear after iron supplementation?

A member asked:

Ferratin 8, hemo 11, iron sat 10, iron 34. dr said take a iron supplement. i think i need an infusion because its mild anemia. which one?

A member asked:

Can you tell me if i should be concerned about anemia and an iron supplement?

A member asked:

Please tell me how long it takes for to cure anemia with assistance of iron supplement?

A member asked:

If you have low iron stores following a blood test, can that lead to anemia? is there a recommended dosage of iron supplement to help restore levels.

A member asked:

What to do if i have anemia, and was wondering how i could get a better iron intake without a supplement, or even with a supplement that won't make me sick?

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