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
There's a difference between "good" levels and optimum levels - from your symptoms, it could be subclinical hypothyroidism. Check out this video for more: th-cam.com/video/govHgXQkUK0/w-d-xo.html
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. 😊
This is blowing my mind. I’ve been sick for years and finally paid out of pocket for a complete functional work-up. My ferritin is 11!! Wow. I have thyroid problems. Shortness of breath, and the symptoms. I’m so sad it took this long but I’m glad to finally have some answers.
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.
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. 😉❤️
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.
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.
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!
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❤
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. ❤️❤️
I love it that i found you ! My Doctor is ok with my Ferritin in being at 33. Contributing my symptoms to my age. In this times it hard to get a doctor. So i have to pretty much 0n my own.I am glad see i I can Fix it myself. Thank you so much
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.
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
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!
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.
I’m curious to know more about this! Would you like to share? I have high TSH but my other thyroid-levels are normal, so I’m not sure if it’s hypothyroidism or not. I quit my thyroid meds as well.
Watching this 2nd time after initially learning about my low ferritin in may . Now after seeing multiple doctors for my dizziness and weakness, fatigue, and other issues, and doing multiple tests, including h.pylori and celiac disease, low stomach acid, this video is very on point among hundreds that i have watched. After 1.5 months of diet and iron supplements my ferritin went up from 15 to 22, i guess i need to do better job, but all of my intestinal inflammation has stopped and now iron absorption should increase. Ferritin is also tied to thyroid function, so doing stool tests (h.pylori, calprotectin) and blood work for thyroid panel and ferritin can help u point out where the issue is.
@@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!
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.
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
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. The method of delivery the background, the information everything was really enjoyable to listen and watch, and most importantly how to take action.
Due to peri menopausal irregular periods, Mine was low , I was put on ferrous sulphate 3 x a day , my symptoms started to improve massively within 5 days , and a blood test 3 weeks later both iron and ferritin had gone up to the normal range . You need to take for at least 3-6 months to raise stores to optimum.
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
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.
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.
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.
@@lisaeccles8036 Exactly where I am this morning....Ferratin is 2. Started cycle 3 days ago, cant get full breaths this morning. Went to dr last week, he's supposed to be setting up an infusion.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Excellent video. Very informative and full of detail in a concise way without the fluff many TH-cam 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.
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 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.
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.
I have been taking iron supplements for 2 years and my ferritin went from 5-30 . I’m defeated . I lost 70% of my hair and I feel like I tried everything.
Good job getting it from 5 to 30! You could push your doctor for an iron IV. Depending on where you live, a company like Drip Hydration may be able to help if your doc won’t prescribe it.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
What does it mean when you have a high iron level in your blood and low ferritin? I am going through peri-menopause and have been having heavy periods...my red blood cell count and ferritin levels are TERRIBLE .
It depends on your other blood markers, but typically low ferritin is an indicator of too little iron reserves, which happens often with heavy period bleeding.
My hemoglobin is at 11 and my ferritin is at 70 I feel so bad but my doctor says it’s in my head. I took 100mg of iron a couple days before blood work so I think it could possibly be lower than shown. I also have sibo
Taking an iron supplement a few days before bloodwork won't significantly impact your ferritin result - I'd look deeper for the root of your symptoms (like your gut health)
Help me understand these levels cause I am ready to just give up cause even trying to get iron infusions i am allergic.. I hate what I am going through
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling - lot of options for raising ferritin without infusions in my free ferritin boosting checklist: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
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
@@DrKateLyzengaDeanI think the only people searching to raise ferritin levels already know how important it is. The video would reach more people who have no idea about ferritin if the title was changed
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.
My ferritin is at an abysmal 0.5😢 despite taking regular iron, B12, vit C, zinc, selenium supplements. Being Hashimoto and estrogen dominant, there's never a day without issues/symptoms. Hair is all over my house, skin is dull, and I am sleepy all the time. And all this at 48.
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 😉
Hi - you can see ALL the details (including ingredients and amounts) for each product on the page by clicking "SAVE 20%" and signing into Fullscript, my supplement portal! Here's the link again, for your convenience: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-boosters
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
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
My ferritin just tested at 3ng/ml ... and HB at 10g/dL. Struggle for a year now to get iron up from 4.1 to where it is now. I only requested ferritin tests now 3 months ago ... can't get it up from 3.
My best advice is to work hard at improving absorption - if you're taking iron and it's not getting into your system, you won't have much luck improving your ferritin levels. The Free Ferritin Checklist details my top 4 supports for solving this issue - you can sign up here: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
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!
mine was high @ 384! not sure why! tried to research it and only discovered that if it's high if your body is in "protective mode" was told babies are born with high ferritin as are older people, which is the case with me! i'm 64! i'm very healthy in the sense that i don't get colds or flus! last cold i had was 1987 and my husband gets them several times a year, yet i don't! flu i've never had! another piece of info i've discovered is that if feel uncomfortable that it is higher than the norm that i should donate blood! apparently they appreciate blood high in ferritin! 🤷♀
I have been dealing with iron deficiency for about six years and developed anemia a few years ago. I have had to go in outpatient practically every week for iron infusions and recently found out that I am b12 deficient. Also had a hysterectomy in March, a bunch of tests, had disection of my small intestine in the past, and on Eliquis/blood thinner for life. My Doctors at Mayo still cannot pinpoint and its so frustrating and defeating when my body is struggling. Hemo is denying it could be my blood thinner and I and some of my other doctors disagree to some disagree. I really need help. This is affecting my quality of life. 😢
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
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
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. 👍🏼
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
Lots of good recommendations BUT Should have mentioned ruling out gastrointestinal cancers such a stomach cancer and colon cancer as well as urinary tract cancer such as bladder cancer.as important reasons for low ferritin.
Iron deficiency can certainly be caused by any chronic bleeding and malabsorption, including GI cancers. But a brief research search seems to indicate that high urine ferritin is associated with bladder cancer, not low serum ferritin. Would love to see the studies you're referencing that link low ferritin to bladder and urinary tract cancer - always looking to learn something new.
This might be a dumb question, but if the problem is the protein that transfers iron, rather than the iron itself, why do we focus on taking iron, then? Why shouldn't we take the protein as a supplement? Can we take ferritin as a supplement?
Your body will make ferritin protein if there is enough iron available to keep as a "backup stash." The lack of ferritin protein isn't the problem - ferritin is low when you don't have enough iron to maintain an adequate reserve.
My ferritin level is 2!!! Several times had iron pills from the docter.my hb went up from low 7.0 to 8.2 but after a few months iron pills ferritin level was 6.9 .i had to stop with iron pills and now,ferrintine is 2😢. Im with a doctor in the hospital,dont now what they are doing about is .I feel so tired for years now 😢.Dont work anymore. Im from the netherlands.
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!
@@DrKateLyzengaDean No, no, I was referring to low ferritin, not low serum iron. It's the transferin that'll tell whether you have too much iron, no? High ferritin levels may suggest either inflammation or too much iron in your reserves, which, again, is when transferrin comes into play for a more accurate diagnosis (if over 40)
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: th-cam.com/video/govHgXQkUK0/w-d-xo.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.
This is blowing my mind. I’ve been sick for years and finally paid out of pocket for a complete functional work-up. My ferritin is 11!! Wow. I have thyroid problems. Shortness of breath, and the symptoms. I’m so sad it took this long but I’m glad to finally have some answers.
I'm glad you were able to get some answers! In-depth testing always helps us get to the root of our symptoms.
my ferritin was 3.47! So glad to find this video!
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!
How did you raise your ferritin level before eating Keto?
I also love the way she’s not dismissive like most doctors are
As a health care provider, I feel that it's very important to validate people's experiences, not dismiss them. I'm glad you feel heard!
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
Which red meat did you eat and how often? Did you also supplement? Are you feeling better?
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.
Same to me , mine is 4
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!
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)!
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!
I love it that i found you ! My Doctor is ok with my Ferritin in being at 33. Contributing my symptoms to my age. In this times it hard to get a doctor. So i have to pretty much 0n my own.I am glad see i I can Fix it myself. Thank you so much
Yay! So glad you found the video useful - and thanks for watching!
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
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?
@@river8760g
I’m curious to know more about this! Would you like to share?
I have high TSH but my other thyroid-levels are normal, so I’m not sure if it’s hypothyroidism or not. I quit my thyroid meds as well.
Watching this 2nd time after initially learning about my low ferritin in may . Now after seeing multiple doctors for my dizziness and weakness, fatigue, and other issues, and doing multiple tests, including h.pylori and celiac disease, low stomach acid, this video is very on point among hundreds that i have watched.
After 1.5 months of diet and iron supplements my ferritin went up from 15 to 22, i guess i need to do better job, but all of my intestinal inflammation has stopped and now iron absorption should increase.
Ferritin is also tied to thyroid function, so doing stool tests (h.pylori, calprotectin) and blood work for thyroid panel and ferritin can help u point out where the issue is.
Love hearing that my video is "on point"!! 🧡 Thanks for watching and sharing!
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.
@@anatino big reason is massive blood loss every single month. It’s difficult to stay ahead of that. That’s why women get ablations or hysterectomies.
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!
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!
Do you feel better now??
Oh my gosh these are exactly what I’m suffering and I can’t sleep because of muscle spasms!
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!
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!
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!
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
My ferritin is
I'm so sorry to hear this. Hopefully you found some useful information from my video 🧡
Due to peri menopausal irregular periods, Mine was low , I was put on ferrous sulphate 3 x a day , my symptoms started to improve massively within 5 days , and a blood test 3 weeks later both iron and ferritin had gone up to the normal range . You need to take for at least 3-6 months to raise stores to optimum.
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
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! 🧡
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!
Excellent!! I’ve listened to so many videos on this topic and this one is the BEST! Wish I had found it first. Ty so much Dr Katel🙏🏻
I'm so glad it was helpful for you!
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.
@@lisaeccles8036 Exactly where I am this morning....Ferratin is 2. Started cycle 3 days ago, cant get full breaths this morning. Went to dr last week, he's supposed to be setting up an infusion.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
👍
Excellent video. Very informative and full of detail in a concise way without the fluff many TH-cam 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!
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.
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!
This is so good explanation Dr. Highly appreciate your presention of information.
Glad it was helpful!
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.
Loved your video and organized, detailed explanation about ferritin. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching!
This was a very thorough video!
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
Morning Doctor
Can low Vitamin b12 be linked with Low Ferritin please?
Low absorption could be the underlying reason for both, certainly!
I have been taking iron supplements for 2 years and my ferritin went from 5-30 . I’m defeated . I lost 70% of my hair and I feel like I tried everything.
Time to try a multiple-strategy approach! Be sure to grab the FREE checklist for ideas of things to add! Don't give up!
As a women it’s devastating. Don’t give up girl. Keep going
Good job getting it from 5 to 30! You could push your doctor for an iron IV. Depending on where you live, a company like Drip Hydration may be able to help if your doc won’t prescribe it.
are u taking over the counter or a prescription strength pls???
Here are my recommended iron supports: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-boosters
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.
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! 👍🏼
The intake of grapefruit juice or eating grapefruits will strip iron from your system. I did find that out the hard way
Depending on dose, grapefruit can complicate things.
Exceptional information, well delivered. Thank you Dr Kate
Glad you found it helpful!
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!
Thank you so much: so timely for me specifically!
You're very welcome!
thank you so much!! My ferritin was super low, but my doctor didn't explain how to get it up!
You're welcome! I'm glad you are getting the answers you need!
The most informative video I've watched on this subject . Thank you
Yay! Thanks for saying that - and for watching!
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!
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!
What does it mean when you have a high iron level in your blood and low ferritin? I am going through peri-menopause and have been having heavy periods...my red blood cell count and ferritin levels are TERRIBLE
.
It depends on your other blood markers, but typically low ferritin is an indicator of too little iron reserves, which happens often with heavy period bleeding.
Thanks for your information Dr.
You're welcome!
My hemoglobin is at 11 and my ferritin is at 70 I feel so bad but my doctor says it’s in my head. I took 100mg of iron a couple days before blood work so I think it could possibly be lower than shown. I also have sibo
Taking an iron supplement a few days before bloodwork won't significantly impact your ferritin result - I'd look deeper for the root of your symptoms (like your gut health)
Help me understand these levels cause I am ready to just give up cause even trying to get iron infusions i am allergic.. I hate what I am going through
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling - lot of options for raising ferritin without infusions in my free ferritin boosting checklist: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
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
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
Will you please rename this video "The Importance of Optimal Ferritin"? I feel like someone might miss the excellent video you made
That would be a great title! So glad you found it useful ☺️
@@DrKateLyzengaDeanI think the only people searching to raise ferritin levels already know how important it is. The video would reach more people who have no idea about ferritin if the title was changed
Thanks for the info, doc!! ❤
You're most welcome!
Very helpful and informative thanks
Yay! So glad you found it helpful.
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
My ferritin is at an abysmal 0.5😢 despite taking regular iron, B12, vit C, zinc, selenium supplements. Being Hashimoto and estrogen dominant, there's never a day without issues/symptoms. Hair is all over my house, skin is dull, and I am sleepy all the time. And all this at 48.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Hopefully you found some strategies you can use in this video!
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 😉
Really appreciate your videos! Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm glad you are enjoying them!
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
Wow thank you for this amazing information! ❤
You're welcome!
Great video! Super helpful! Thank you!
Yay! So glad you found it helpful! 👍🏼
THANK YOU. I BELIEVE THIS IS MY PROBLEM! (IT'S A TOO BAD MY "DOCTOR" IS TOO LAZY TO PAY ATTENTION TO MY HEALTH).
I'm glad you found my video helpful! I'm sorry that your doctor isn't listening to you 🧡
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
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
The ingredients and amounts are not listed in your shopping page. Please list the ingredients and amount of iron in the pills.
Hi - you can see ALL the details (including ingredients and amounts) for each product on the page by clicking "SAVE 20%" and signing into Fullscript, my supplement portal! Here's the link again, for your convenience: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-boosters
My mom took so many antibiotics and is now negative h pylori. But she looks much worse after. Didn't take pro biotics. Anemic.
But getting better
Glad she's improving! Antibiotics can be tough on the system for sure.
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
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
Thank you dr kate♡
You're welcome 😊
you're right dr Kate
Glad you agree!
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
My ferritin just tested at 3ng/ml ... and HB at 10g/dL. Struggle for a year now to get iron up from 4.1 to where it is now. I only requested ferritin tests now 3 months ago ... can't get it up from 3.
My best advice is to work hard at improving absorption - if you're taking iron and it's not getting into your system, you won't have much luck improving your ferritin levels. The Free Ferritin Checklist details my top 4 supports for solving this issue - you can sign up here: www.drkateld.com/ferritin-checklist-signup
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.
Well detailed. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for talking about that, I have a question Can I have a high iron but low ferritin ?
It is possible!
mine was high @ 384! not sure why! tried to research it and only discovered that if it's high if your body is in "protective mode" was told babies are born with high ferritin as are older people, which is the case with me! i'm 64! i'm very healthy in the sense that i don't get colds or flus! last cold i had was 1987 and my husband gets them several times a year, yet i don't! flu i've never had! another piece of info i've discovered is that if feel uncomfortable that it is higher than the norm that i should donate blood! apparently they appreciate blood high in ferritin! 🤷♀
I'm sure they do appreciate iron-rich blood at the blood bank - thank you for supporting your community in this way! 👍🏼
I have been dealing with iron deficiency for about six years and developed anemia a few years ago. I have had to go in outpatient practically every week for iron infusions and recently found out that I am b12 deficient. Also had a hysterectomy in March, a bunch of tests, had disection of my small intestine in the past, and on Eliquis/blood thinner for life. My Doctors at Mayo still cannot pinpoint and its so frustrating and defeating when my body is struggling. Hemo is denying it could be my blood thinner and I and some of my other doctors disagree to some disagree. I really need help. This is affecting my quality of life. 😢
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles - so frustrating and damaging to your quality of life.
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
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
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.
What over counter supplments help for this issue?
You can see my suggested supports here: us.fullscript.com/plans/drkateld-ferritin-boosting-supplements
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!
What about normal iron level (142) with a very low ferritin level (9)….?
It means your iron reserves are low - I explain this in detail in the video 👍🏼
Lots of good recommendations BUT Should have mentioned ruling out gastrointestinal cancers such a stomach cancer and colon cancer as well as urinary tract cancer such as bladder cancer.as important reasons for low ferritin.
Iron deficiency can certainly be caused by any chronic bleeding and malabsorption, including GI cancers. But a brief research search seems to indicate that high urine ferritin is associated with bladder cancer, not low serum ferritin. Would love to see the studies you're referencing that link low ferritin to bladder and urinary tract cancer - always looking to learn something new.
This might be a dumb question, but if the problem is the protein that transfers iron, rather than the iron itself, why do we focus on taking iron, then? Why shouldn't we take the protein as a supplement? Can we take ferritin as a supplement?
Your body will make ferritin protein if there is enough iron available to keep as a "backup stash." The lack of ferritin protein isn't the problem - ferritin is low when you don't have enough iron to maintain an adequate reserve.
The symptoms you mention at 2:39 can also be from a thyroid problem (hypothyroidism) or from fibromyalgia.
They overlap with more than just that! That's why it's so important to get to the root cause instead of guessing on a diagnosis 👍🏼
@@DrKateLyzengaDeanYes ... I agree that it is important to get to the root cause instead of guessing.
Hi! I tried to sign up for the checklist but never received the email.
Check your spam and junk folders - if still no luck, shoot me an email at info@drkateLD.com
My ferritin level is 2!!! Several times had iron pills from the docter.my hb went up from low 7.0 to 8.2 but after a few months iron pills ferritin level was 6.9 .i had to stop with iron pills and now,ferrintine is 2😢. Im with a doctor in the hospital,dont now what they are doing about is .I feel so tired for years now 😢.Dont work anymore. Im from the netherlands.
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Hope you found the info in this video helpful!
You might check about getting IV iron infusions. My Mother recently got an iron infusion. You might also need a blood transfusion if hb is 7 or lower.
Just did bloodwork and found it mines was low so it’s because my iron and vitamin d is low so I need this information
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching
Very useful 🤝
Glad you found it helpful!
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!
@@DrKateLyzengaDean No, no, I was referring to low ferritin, not low serum iron. It's the transferin that'll tell whether you have too much iron, no? High ferritin levels may suggest either inflammation or too much iron in your reserves, which, again, is when transferrin comes into play for a more accurate diagnosis (if over 40)