For years ive been iron deficient but had normal to high rbc. how is this possible? potential cause? unexplained and untreated due to normal/high rbc.

Thalassemia: It is likely that your small red cells led to a miscall. You can have this coexisting even with real iron deficiency. Get with a competent hematologist.

Anemia: iron deficiency cause mild anemia and smaller red cell , and it could be cause by diet ,especially in young children ,or because bleeding or infection or inflammation ,so absorption of iron decrease.

Give us real numbers: The word High RBC does not help as it is rarely used in decision making. instead we rely on Hemoglobin(Hb) level and Hematocrit which are more reliable tests for RBC related disorders. Please send us the Hb levels and iron levels, we can then help you better