blood levels for Iron

GDF-8 · May 19, 2020

can anyone give some feedback on recent bloods returned strange numbers, can’t remember if it was Stewie or someone else was well versed in this
Returned normal Iron (@25/range 5 - 30)
High transferrin @3.4/1.9 - 3.1
High TIBC @86/47-77
And then low ferritin @21/30-300
Haemoglobin normal @166/135-175

GP or gastro don’t seem overly concerned and have suggested supplement iron tabs for now

Any thoughts behind these numbers ....

Crazy_jay · May 19, 2020

You donate blood? You are iron deficient, ferritin should be between 70-100. Typically, with iron deficiency, you'd have lower hemoglobin but that is not the case when using exogenous steroids. Exogenous steroids will still force a production of red blood cells despite the lack of iron. Iron is crucial to properly developed rbc's and without enough iron to produce "healthy" rbc's, you end up with poor rbc's that can't supply oxygen to your body. I'll guess rdw on your bloodwork was high too?

GDF-8 · May 19, 2020

Cant see RDW on poets I have RCC - @6.5 /4.5-6.5 range
No I don’t donate blood however have been on PPI (rabeprazole) for some time further primoteston @250mg very 14 days atm ...

Crazy_jay · May 19, 2020

GDF-8 said:
Cant see RDW on poets I have RCC - @6.5 /4.5-6.5 range
No I don’t donate blood however have been on PPI (rabeprazole) for some time further primoteston @250mg very 14 days atm ...

So you're possibly suffering from malabsorption from the ppi. I'm better versed in iron deficiency from donating blood as I've experienced it myself. Id think it's a good idea to test for some other deficiencies, b12, folic acid, vitamin d. Unless ppi's have a greater effect on iron, id guess your are malnourished but I'm not certain if there is an increase effect on iron from ppi use.