Monitoring your iron levels is important to ensure you maintain adequate amounts in your body. There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate your iron levels are increasing from iron supplementation or dietary changes.
Signs Your Iron Levels Are Rising
Here are some signs that your iron levels may be increasing:
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue. As your iron levels rise, you may notice having more energy throughout the day.
- Less shortness of breath or dizziness. Low iron can cause you to feel winded or dizzy easily. As iron increases, these symptoms should subside.
- Reduced heart palpitations. Rapid or irregular heartbeats can be a sign of anemia. If palpitations decrease, it may mean higher iron levels.
- Less pale skin. Anemia can make your skin look pale. As iron increases, you may notice your skin tone looks more vibrant.
- Reduced headaches. Headaches are a common symptom of low iron levels. If iron is increasing, headaches may occur less frequently.
- Less restless leg syndrome. The urge to move your legs constantly can be caused by iron deficiency. This should improve with increased iron.
- Better appetite. Low iron can reduce appetite. When iron is replenished, your appetite may increase.
Monitoring Iron Levels
The best way to monitor your iron levels is to get periodic blood tests. These will measure the amount of iron and iron-binding proteins in your blood. Some key indicators include:
- Serum ferritin – This protein stores iron in your body. Low levels indicate reduced iron stores. Levels below 15 ng/mL are considered iron deficiency.
- Transferrin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) – Transferrin carries iron in the blood. TIBC measures transferrin’s capacity to bind iron. High levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia.
- Serum iron – This measures iron circulating in your blood. Low serum iron may reflect depleted iron stores.
- Transferrin saturation – This percentage estimates how much transferrin is carrying iron. Below 15-20% can indicate iron deficiency.
Your doctor may order iron studies to get a complete picture of your levels. They will likely check your blood around 3-4 months after starting iron supplementation to see if levels are increasing into the normal range.
Normal and Optimal Iron Levels
Here are the general reference ranges for iron levels:
| Test | Normal Range | Optimal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Serum ferritin | 12-150 ng/mL | 50-150 ng/mL |
| Serum iron | 50-170 mcg/dL | 90-160 mcg/dL |
| TIBC | 250-450 mcg/dL | 250-350 mcg/dL |
| Transferrin saturation | 15-50% | 30-35% |
Ranges may vary slightly depending on the specific lab. Your doctor will look for levels increasing from the low or deficient range toward normal or optimal values to determine if your iron is rising appropriately.
Next Steps if Iron is Not Increasing
If your iron levels remain low or deficient after a few months of supplementation, there are some steps your doctor may recommend:
- Increase iron dosage – Taking a higher daily dose of iron may help get your levels back to normal.
- Change iron form – Some forms like iron bisglycinate or polysaccharide-iron complex may be better absorbed.
- Add vitamin C – Taking vitamin C boosts iron absorption from supplements or foods.
- Check for internal bleeding – Bleeding from conditions like ulcers can make it harder to increase iron.
- Test for celiac disease – Celiac can prevent proper iron absorption from foods.
- Consider IV iron – In severe deficiency, IV iron infusions may be necessary.
Talk to your doctor if your levels plateau or don’t reach the normal range with oral iron supplements. Continued monitoring and adjusting your treatment will help get your iron levels where they need to be.
Maintaining Healthy Iron Levels
Once your iron levels are back to optimal, you’ll want to maintain them there. Here are some tips for keeping iron in the normal range long-term:
- Take iron supplements regularly at recommended dosages.
- Consume iron-rich foods like red meat, seafood, nuts, beans, and fortified grains.
- Eat fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.
- Avoid excess caffeine and calcium around supplement doses.
- Get periodic blood tests to monitor iron status.
- Talk to your doctor before stopping iron supplements.
Replenishing your body’s iron stores is important, but maintaining those levels is key. Keep focusing on iron-rich foods and appropriate supplements, while monitoring through blood tests. This helps ensure your iron levels stay where they should be.
Conclusion
Increasing iron levels from deficiency requires patience and persistence. Look for signs like improved energy, skin tone, and appetite as clues your iron may be rising. Get periodic blood tests to track key markers like ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation. Aim to get your levels into the optimal range, then continue proper supplementation and dietary habits. Partnering with your doctor for ongoing monitoring and appropriate treatment will help you successfully restore and maintain healthy iron levels.