Vitamin / Mineral Deficiencies

VITAMIN / Mineral DEFICIENCIES

B 12 DEFICIENCY

Symptoms of B12 deficiency often go undiagnosed. This is largely because there are a variety of symptoms and very often they can be mistaken for something else. For example, many of the early b12 vitamin deficiency symptoms are often brushed off as the normal signs of aging. At the other end of the spectrum, some people experience very dramatic symptoms even when they are only experiencing moderately low (or low/normal) levels. In these cases, most of the time a B12 deficiency is not considered as a potential cause of the problem because the symptoms are so significant that it does not seem possible that moderately low or borderline b12 levels could be the culprit. Sadly, it is not at all uncommon for B 12 deficiency symptoms to be mis-diagnosed or the signs of b12 deficiency to be ignored all together!

Here are some of the common symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Neurological B12 Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms
• Mental confusion
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Headaches
• Depression
• Impulse Control
• Pins and needles in the extremities
• Balance issues
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms of B12 Vitamin Deficiency
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Other Symptoms of B12 Vitamin Deficiency
• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Shortness of breath that results from only very light exertion
• White spots on the skin (typically the forearm) due to decreased melatonin
• Hair loss
• Bruising that occurs without reason
• Dizziness

These varied B12 deficiency symptoms’ are the result of the body not creating sufficient red blood cells due to the decreased levels of B12.  Red blood cells are required to carry oxygen to all of your cells so having insufficient red blood cells essentially starves your body of oxygen.

Pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia is caused by an autoimmune disease; a person’s own immune system attacks good parts of the body, as if they were bacteria or viruses.

The immune system of patients with pernicious anemia creates antibodies which attack the lining of the stomach, damaging cells that produce intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a substance that is secreted by the gastric mucous membrane (lining of the stomach) and is vital for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. If the production of intrinsic factor is undermined, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed into the body properly.

Where to Get Your B12

B12 is produced by microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, and algae, but not by animals or plants. B12 is found in animal products because they concentrate the nutrient after ingesting these microorganisms along with their food in their flesh, organs, and byproducts (e.g. eggs and dairy). Also, ruminant animals (such as cows, sheep, and goats) have bacteria in their rumen that produce vitamin B12.

NOTE ON B12 TESTING: One of the most important things to understand about B12 deficiency is that the serum B12 is not a very reliable marker for diagnosing B12 deficiency. When you measure B12 in the serum, you’re measuring all of the different cobalamins. Cobalamins are all the different B12 compounds. That ranges from the most inactive forms of cobalamin, like cyanocobalamin, to the more active forms of cobalamin, like methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, which are referred to as active B12. That’s the type of B12 that can actually be delivered, get in the cells, and do what it’s supposed to do. Then there are intermediate forms of cobalamins, like hydroxocobalamin, which are not super active, but more active than something like cyanocobalamin.

On a weekly basis we have clients bring in their blood work from their medical doctor who checked their B12 levels and told them it was high and to STOP THEIR B12! 

Let me explain how this is WRONG!

So many people (especially those over 50 or those with compromised gut health) are deficient in B12. The main reason is it is difficult for the body to absorb B12 in the intestinal tract. One of the most common causes of B12 deficiency is inflammation in the stomach! It’s estimated that up to 50% of the population suffer with undiagnosed bacteria (H. Pylori) which can cause low grade gastritis.

And because it’s subclinical, it’s not caught until you are much older, typically in your 60’s.

So even if you don’t have a gross deficiency of B12 throughout your life, you may feel the biochemical effects of subclinical B12 deficiency in energy production and how you feel.

This is where B12 supplements step in.

You can use B12 supplements to help provide your body with the B12 that it needs with one caveat:

It only works if you used the RIGHT type of B12.

The difference between cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin is actually very simple.

Both of these products are considered B12 so they don’t differ in that aspect.

Where they differ is in what is attached to the B12.

You can think of this as a carrier product that simply holds onto the B12 portion.

These attachments/carriers help do a number of important things:

Stabilize the active component (in this case B12). Potentially alter when it is absorbed and in what part of the gut. Alter how difficult it is for the body to assimilate or use it. And lastly, they can provide the body with the necessary or unnecessary substrate when the carrier product is cleaved from the B12 by the body.

In the case of cyanocobalamin, B12 is attached to cyanide.

You know, the same chemical compound that can be potentially fatal in large doses to humans.

In the case of methylcobalamin, B12 is attached to a methyl group.

Both of these attachments are really just variations of carbon and hydrogen atoms but the difference between the two is important.

Most formulations of B12 come in the cyanocobalamin form simply because it’s cheaper to produce and manufacture.

But there’s one big problem:

Those who take cyanocobalamin typically don’t feel any better, even while using large doses of B12.

Furthermore, cyanocobalamin is not a form of B12 which is naturally found in nature.

Cyanocobalamin is a human creation that does the job of getting the B12 into the body but may not do the best job at allowing the body to utilize it.

This is why we suggest METHYLCOBALAMIN.

CAN YOU TAKE TOO MUCH?

1. You really shouldn’t be afraid to take a lot of B12. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which means that the risk of overdose is virtually zero. Any extra B12 that you consume will be eliminated by your kidneys and in your urine.
2. Second, the RDA for things like B12 really doesn’t take into account the issues that I have mentioned here so don’t be afraid to take doses that are several times higher than the RDA.
3. Whenever you take a B12 supplement you will see your serum B12 level skyrocket.

This can freak out doctors who proclaim that you are “overdosing on B12!” when the reality is that your serum levels can be high but your cells may still be deficient.

Furthermore, with functioning kidneys, the risk of overdose is basically zero.

One of the most important things to understand about B12 deficiency is that the serum B12 is just not a very reliable marker for diagnosing B12 deficiency. When you measure B12 in the serum, you’re measuring all of the different cobalamins. Cobalamins are all the different B12 compounds. That ranges from the most inactive forms of cobalamin, like cyanocobalamin, to the more active forms of cobalamin, like methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, which are referred to as active B12. That’s the type of B12 that can actually be delivered, get in the cells, and do what it’s supposed to do. Then there are intermediate forms of cobalamins, like hydroxocobalamin, which are not super active, but more active than something like cyanocobalamin.

When you measure serum B12, you’re measuring all of those different B12s. So it would be possible to have a normal or even high level of serum B12, and have most of that be inactive, and still be suffering from B12 deficiency, because you don’t really have enough of the active B12 that gets in the cells. 

Bottom line is pay attention to how you feel and work with a practitioner who understand all of these points. 

Whenever possible, avoid B12 supplements that contain cyanocobalamin and opt for supplements that contain methylcobalamin.

Methylcobalamin comes pre-activated and is much easier for the body to use and process. In addition, methylcobalamin is a form of B12 found in nature which makes it ideal compared to cyanocobalamin.

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LOW B6 symptoms:

Vitamin B6 – may be associated with less than optimum health conditions due to low intake, malabsorption, or dysbiosis

B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. Like the other B vitamins, it helps make energy in your body. B-6 was isolated in 1938. It’s needed for more than 60 enzymes to work in the body. It’s a vital part of making non-essential amino acids and even our neurotransmitters. These include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. This vitamin is necessary to help convert stored energy (glycogen) to blood sugar (glucose). Low levels of pyridoxine can lead to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) and seizures. This vitamin is needed for red blood cells to form. It’s needed for iron to convert into hemoglobin. Low levels of pyridoxine can cause anemia and many other health problems.

Low B6 symptoms: Twitching, seizures, convulsions, mood or mental changes, anemia, fatigue, heart rate irregularities, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, cold extremities, unusual body sensations (numbness, tingling or burning in feet or hands), anxiety, chronic fatigue, insomnia, indigestion, skin rashes, panic attacks, hyperventilation, extreme pms, low progesterone production, restlessness, hair loss, cracks on tongue or lips, weakness, trigger finger, carpal tunnel, swollen hands, thumb-wrist-joints painful.

Foods High In B6

Sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, garlic, winter squash, bok choy, bell peppers, avocado, green peas, lentils, lima beans, pinto beans, bananas, and sunflower seeds.

Low B1 (Thiamine) symptoms:

Deficiency of vitamin B1 may lead to chronic diseases. One of them is Beriberi which is a neurological and cardiovascular disease. This has been associated with cardiovascular disease and is one of the most chronic symptoms of the deficiency of vitamin B1. In addition, B1 vitamin benefits include prevention of lung congestion, increased heart rate, as well as heart failure. Once again, B1 vitamin benefits include prevention of abnormal development of muscles and nerves, pricking and burning sensation in the toes and feet, leg cramps and atrophy or wasting of the muscles. More symptoms include weight low, weakness, irregular heart rate, emotional disturbances, night terrors, panic attacks, poor memory, gastro issues, hair loss (such as alopecia, etc.), Alzheimer’s, cataracts.

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Foods High In B1

Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green peas, beet greens, spinach, sweet potatoes, navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, lima beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, unpolished rice, barley, oats, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, watermelon, oranges

Low B2 (riboflavin) symptoms:

Riboflavin deficiency symptoms include:

• ▪  Bloodshot eyes
• ▪  Sore tongue and lips
• ▪  Infection in the mouth and throat
• ▪  Extreme and unusual sensitivity to light
• ▪  Irritability in the eyes
• ▪  Chapped lips & Migraines

Women need to take special care to ensure that they don’t have a vitamin deficiency as riboflavin deficiency causes problems in the reproduction system, growth and repair of body tissues, as well as problems in the immune system. A vitamin B2 deficiency affects the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, ketone bodies, and proteins in the body. So it can be said that a vitamin deficiency directly affects a person’s energy level. Another factor is that vitamin B2 deficiency results in other vitamin deficiencies as well.


Foods High In B2 
Beet greens, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, collard greens, sweet potatoes, green peas, almonds, sun dried tomatoes

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LOW VITAMIN B3 (niacin)

Low Vitamin B3, also called niacin and niacinamide, is an important water-soluble vitamin that can be found in many common foods including certain types of meat and organ meat, tuna fish, seeds, mushrooms, and others. Vitamin B3 helps maintain skin health, supports brain function, lowers cholesterol, can help treat diabetes, lowers inflammation, helps with joint mobility and to treat arthritis.

When a vitamin B3 niacin deficiency is seen, the following are signs and symptoms:

• Pellagra- characterized by skin inflammation, hallucinations, digestive distress. Usually occurs in malnourished people or those with alcoholism and can include rash, stomatitis, diarrhea, and mental problems
• Mucous membrane swelling- symptoms which affect the mouth, vagina and urethra tongue can cause pain in the mouth, increased salivation, and edema of the tongue, and ulcers
• Skin symptoms include several types of lesions and acne
• Gastrointestinal (digestive) disturbances- symptoms include burning in the pharynx and esophagus,  stomach and abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Brain impairment and psychosis- impaired consciousness, cognitive decline (dementia), disorientation, confusion, depression, mania, or paranoia.

Food high in B3 (niacin): sunflower seeds, split green peas, mushrooms, grains, brown rice, barley, buckwheat, potatoes, tomatoes

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Low B5 (Pantothenic acid) symptoms: 
Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Fatigue,
Elevated cholesterol,
Burning and pain in the arms and legs,
Burning feet, 
Nausea,
Indigestion,
Irritability,
Fainting,
Hair loss,
Elevated heart rate,
Susceptibility to infection,
Premature graying of the hair, Gluten sensitivity intolerance or celiac disease


Vitamin B5 has been shown to be beneficial for the following conditions:

Depression,
Dermatitis, Adrenal disease (adrenal burn out or failure),
Headaches,
Insomnia,
High Cholesterol,
Chronic Fatigue syndrome,
Fibromyalgia

Foods High In B5

Avocado, crimini and shitake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, green peas, lentils, corn, sun dried tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes

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Low Vitamin C Symptoms:

The first symptoms of vitamin C deficiency tend to be:

• ▪  Tiredness and weakness.
• ▪  Muscle and joint pains.
• ▪  Easy bruising.
• ▪  Spots that look like tiny, red-blue bruises on the skin. Other symptoms can include:
• ▪  Dry skin.
• ▪  Splitting hair.
• ▪  Swelling and discoloration of the gums.
• ▪  Spontaneous bleeding from the gums.
• ▪  Nosebleeds.
• ▪  Poor healing of wounds.
• ▪  Problems fighting infections.
• ▪  Bleeding into joints, causing severe joint pains.
• ▪  Changes in the bones.
• ▪  Tooth loss.
• ▪  Weight loss.
If not diagnosed and treated, vitamin C deficiency can lead to jaundice, generalized edema (swelling), and shortness of breath, nerve problems, fever and convulsions. Bleeding inside the brain and around the heart can cause death in some people with untreated vitamin C deficiency.

Plant foods high in Vitamin C:

Potatoes, acerola cherries, chili peppers, yellow peppers, blue berries, kale, pineapple, broccoli, cabbage, mango, Brussels sprouts

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SEROTONIN Deficiency symptoms:

The following are common symptoms of serotonin deficiency:

• ▪  Anxiety in typically low stress situations
• ▪  Impatience without explanation
• ▪  Fatigue when you should feel rested and energized
• ▪  Cognitive impairment (inability to focus, poor memory, lack of mental clarity)
• ▪  Negative thoughts with no apparent cause
• ▪  Agitation
• ▪  Mania/obsession
• ▪  Mood swings
• ▪  Strong sugar cravings
• ▪  Indifference to situations you typically would care deeply about
• ▪  Excessive worrying
• ▪  Inability to fall and stay asleep
• ▪  Moderate to overwhelming sadness 
Feeling worse and agitated during bad/dark weather
• 
Dopamine deficiency signs/symptoms:

• Reduced ability to feel pleasure
• Flat, bored, apathetic and low enthusiasm
• Depressed
• Low drive and motivation
• Difficulty getting through a task even when 
interesting
• Procrastinator/little urgency
• Difficulty paying attention and concentrating
• Slowed thinking and/or slow to learn new ideas
• Crave uppers (e.g. caffeine/nicotine/diet soft 
drinks)
Use these to improve 
energy/motivation/mood
• Prone to addictions (e.g. alcohol)/addictive 
personality
• Shy/introvert
• Low libido or impotence
• Mentally fatigued easily and physically fatigued 
easily
• Sleep too much and trouble getting out of bed
• Put on weight easily
• Family history of alcoholism/ADD/ADHD

Dopamine can be raised effectively using either nutrient based therapies or medications. Dopamine is synthesized form the amino acid tyrosine.

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Iron – High and Low

The Difference Between Ferritin and Iron

• Iron is a mineral, and ferritin is a protein.
• You get iron directly from the food you eat, and your body makes ferritin by using building blocks from the food you eat and plenty of vitamin C
• Iron in red blood cells carries oxygen, which is required for energy in cells throughout the body.
• Ferritin binds to iron in the body’s cells and blood circulation.

Ferritin is a protein that contains iron and is the primary form of iron stored inside of cells. The small amount of ferritin that is released and circulates in the blood is a reflection of the total amount of iron stored in the body. Insufficient levels of circulating and stored iron may eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia (decreased hemoglobin). In the early stage of iron deficiency, no physical effects are usually seen and the amount of iron stored may be significantly depleted before any signs or symptoms of iron deficiency develop. If a person is otherwise healthy and anemia develops over a long period of time, symptoms seldom appear before the hemoglobin in the blood drops below the lower limit of normal.

The amount of ferritin stored reflects the amount of iron stored. In humans, it acts as a buffer against iron deficiency. Ferritin serves to store iron in a non-toxic form, to deposit it in a safe form, and to transport it to areas where it is required. If the ferritin level is low, there is a risk for lack of iron, which could lead to anemia.

Normally, your body brings in a steady flow of iron from the food you eat. Your body stores excess iron so it’s available as needed to make hemoglobin. Iron-deficiency anemia develops when your body uses the iron stores faster than they can be refilled, or when the flow of iron into your system has slowed. This occurs in three stages:

• First stage: Iron stores (ferritin) are depleted. In this stage, the supply of iron to make new hemoglobin and red blood cells is dwindling but hasn’t yet affected your red blood cells.
• Second stage: When iron stores are low, the normal process of making red blood cells is altered. You develop what’s called iron-deficient erythropoiesis, sometimes called latent iron deficiency. In this stage, your bone marrow makes red blood cells without enough hemoglobin.
• Third stage: Iron-deficiency anemia develops because there isn’t enough iron to make hemoglobin for red blood cells. In this stage, the hemoglobin concentration will drop below the normal range. This is when you may begin noticing iron-deficiency anemia symptoms.

Deficiency Symptoms will include :

• fatigue,
• anxiety,
• pale,
• weakness,
• fullness in epigastrium,
• trouble swallowing,
• coughing,
• dizziness and passing out,
• chest pain,
• trouble breathing,
• rapid heart beat,
• blood in stools,
• low blood pressure,
• heart murmur,
• low thyroid (due to inability to convert into thyroid hormones),
• hunger for strange substances,
• soreness of the mouth with cracks in the corners,
• cramps,
• tingling in the feet and hands
• hair loss
• headaches
• bruising
• chills
• restless legs
• increased risk of miscarriages
• Low cortisol levels and adrenal stress

Iron deficiency and anemia go hand in hand but are a bit different. The iron you absorb every day, 75% of it is going into the production of red blood cells. So when your red blood cells are low you are considered anemic. Iron is a very important cofactor for many enzymes in the body. It plays an essential role in the formation of hemoglobin (the red blood cells that carry oxygen to the rest of the body). If you are iron deficient … it can still take a while for the issue to affect the red blood cell formation and lower the hemoglobin. In fact you can develop lots of symptoms of iron deficiency long before true “anemia” is formed. This is why it just doesn’t make good sense to wait until hemoglobin, and red blood cells are low to “detect” and diagnose iron deficiency in the body! We always do a full iron panel and look at ferritin FIRST! Anemia is a later stage of iron loss.

LOW FERRITIN:

Deficiency Symptoms will include fatigue, pale, weakness, fullness in epigastrium, trouble swallowing, coughing, dizziness and passing out, chest pain, trouble breathing, rapid heart beat, blood in stools, low blood pressure, heart murmur, low thyroid (due to inability to convert into thyroid hormones), hunger for strange substances, soreness of the mouth with cracks in the corners, leg cramps, tingling in the feet and hands. Iron deficiency, especially when it progresses into full-blown iron deficiency anemia, can cause hair loss. It sends your body into survival mode, so your body channels oxygen to support vital functions as opposed to ones like keeping your hair intact.

Ideal levels of Ferritin are 70-90 or up to 130. Less than 40 indicates other organs such as thyroid will not perform properly.

In the setting of true anemia (low serum iron with low Hemaglobin and Hemotocrit), low serum ferritin is the most specific lab test for iron deficiency anemia. Low ferritin may also indicate hypothyroidism, vitamin C deficiency or celiac disease.

Optimally you want to complete the blood draw in the morning in a fasted state. Clients should also not take any iron supplement within 12 hours of a blood draw. In a non-fasting state you can get significant swings in transferrin levels especially in iron deficient individuals.

Serum iron concentration alone is also a poor measure of iron status in the body as levels fluctuate significantly due to diurnal variation and fasting status. Even when both morning and fasting blood draws are completed, accuracy is still hampered by the fact that iron is an acute phase reactant and could be falsely low in the case of acute inflammation.

Lower Ferritin with higher serum iron levels (referred to as: Hypoferritinemia) If you have high serum iron levels and low ferritin, you may want to check for underlying infections, oral contraceptive use, thyroid disorders and consider testing based on history for heavy metals (especially lead).

Having low ferritin with a high iron saturation level indicates your body is not properly utilizing the iron that is present. Here’s what it means:

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Low ferritin means your iron stores are depleted. This can cause anemia and symptoms like fatigue, hair loss and weakness.

However, your high iron saturation percentage (which measures how much iron is bound to transferrin, the protein that transports iron through the bloodstream) indicates that you do actually have circulating iron present.

So what’s happening is this:

• The iron in your body is not being properly incorporated into ferritin stores. This can happen due to inflammation, immune system issues or genetic factors that impair iron absorption.
• As a result, “free” iron begins to accumulate in the bloodstream bound to transferrin, causing the high saturation percentage. But your tissues and organs are still iron deficient since ferritin levels are low.
• This excess iron in the blood can become toxic over time and damage organs like the liver, pancreas and joints. It also makes iron supplements potentially risky without addressing the underlying issue first.

The use of cast iron skillets can be another reason for elevated levels of serum iron, especially if used in the hours before a blood draw.  The initial dosing of iron supplementation can also cause serum iron to rise to the top end of normal or even over while ferritin is slower to reach normal levels.

Bottom line… high iron with lower ferritin can occur due to: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease, h-pylori gut infection, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, peptic ulcer, menorrhagia, and hematuria. It also could be due to increase iron demands in pregnancy and puberty. Individuals with this issue usually complain of general weakness, asthma, depressed mood, hair loss, fibromyalgia symptoms and sub clinical hypothyroid issues.. (ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5629903/)

Your iron and ferritin levels are very important factor in your health. If these levels are low you may have a hard time tolerating thyroid treatment.

When ferritin levels drop below 25, the liver will often compensate by synthesizing more transferrin which leads to a pooling of iron in the blood and increased serum iron levels in the face of iron deficiency. This occurs when there’s an iron deficiency or in patients with high estrogen levels such as in pregnancy or with oral contraceptive use.

Ferritin levels of less than 75 can have effects like fatigue and an increased risk of miscarriage.  This is why it is paramount we test clients and ensure they have optimal iron levels and not just a ferritin within the normal range.

How does low ferritin affect adrenals? Good iron levels are needed for thyroid to be able to convert properly (T4 to T3) and for T3 to get to the cells as it should. Low iron causes extreme adrenal stress as your body cannot utilize thyroid properly (even your own) unless these levels are correct. Low iron also will cause your body to make more reverse T3 than T3 as it knows it cannot utilize it correctly so tries to lower the thyroid in the blood. It will also lower your TSH even when you are very hypothyroid already.

Low ferritin symptoms can mimic low cortisol, low thyroid and electrolyte imbalance symptoms. Some examples would be anxiety, high heart rate, heart palpitation, fatigue, weakness and more.

CAUSES of low iron:

1. Blood loss
2. Poor absorption (high calcium intake; low acidity due to lowered vitamin C; poor diet; high caffeine intake, etc.)
3. Medications (PPI inhibitors are the main culprit)
4. Lactation

DIET:

Coffee, tea and other Caffeine can Inhibit Iron Absorption. Several studies have found that coffee and other caffeinated drinks can reduce iron absorption. … In fact, one study found that caffeine itself only binds to about 6% of the iron from a meal. Plant-based foods contain nonheme iron, but you can still build ferritin levels by eating spinach, Kale, Moringa, broccoli and baked potatoes. For an extra boost, toss pumpkin seeds on top. One small potato, 1/2 cup of cooked spinach and 1/2 cup of broccoli each provide 1 milligram of iron, while 1 ounce of pumpkin seeds adds 4 milligrams. Ten dried apricots or 1/2 cup of raisins contains nearly 2 milligrams. One-half cup of cooked beans, lentils or soybeans has 2 milligrams to 4 milligrams of iron, but these foods contain phytic acid, which reduces absorption of nonheme iron by as much as 50 percent. 8-20 mg of intake in the diet is usually sufficient. We normally lose 1-2 mg per day through shedding of epithelial cells (which is total normal). As humans we need to consume 10X the amount lost on a daily basis.

No single food will provide all the iron you need. If you eat plant based the above should help you figure out what to eat and increase in your daily diet.

If you eat animal, even beef liver which is your richest source of iron is 6.5 mg of iron (heme iron) is not enough for a whole day. You need diversity in your diet that are high in iron.

Vitamin C significantly enhances absorption of nonheme iron, so you’ll have a bigger impact on ferritin if you include both nutrients at the same meal. For vitamin C, you could add a side dish of sweet peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli or sweet potatoes, or drink some vitamin-C rich orange juice or tomato juice. Combining nonheme veggies with heme-containing meat, poultry and fish also improves nonheme absorption. On the flip side, do not include milk, dairy products, coffee or tea with your meal because they inhibit nonheme absorption.

Avoid calcium supplementation at same time as iron intake. If you are also on calcium, simply take at least 4 hours away from iron. PPI inhibitors also interfere with iron absorption.

During a bacterial infection, the body shifts iron from the blood into storage compartments such as bone, liver, spleen, and lymphatic tissues. This is a protective mechanism that makes the iron unavailable to the bacteria, which needs iron for its growth.

This action, however, prevents the body from incorporating iron into the red blood cells. If the infection becomes chronic, it can create a type of anemia called “infectious anemia”. This type of anemia will not respond to iron therapy until the infection is brought under control, then the iron can be reutilized once more. Chronic infectious anemia can be spotted as an elevated iron to copper ratio on the hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) study. Many times the infection can be present for years. The most common type of infection of this nature is dental abscess.

Sequestering of iron into storage tissue also occurs in other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and some types of malignancies. These conditions are known to cause anemia, even though tissue concentrations of iron are more than adequate. It has been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, iron can accumulate not only in soft tissues, but within joint as well. The pancreas can accumulate iron to the point that normal insulin activity becomes impaired, and diabetes ensues. People frequently develop this condition following a serious bacterial infection.

Iron deficiency is known to weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. The decreased immunity is probably due to other accompanying nutritional deficiencies. It is found in individuals suffering from chronic candidiasis and recurring herpes viral infections.

Iron and Mental Function

Early studies have reported a correlation between haemoglobin levels and intellectual performance in teenagers. Other studies have confirmed these findings in adults as well as children. A lack of iron can lead to a shortened attention span, a reduction in cognitive functions, minimal brain dysfunction, and hyperactivity.

HIGH FERRITIN:

A high ferritin level when Sat and iron are in the optimal range could indicate inflammation. When serum iron and % sat are low and ferritin is high it means there is inflammation or possibly infection your body is dealing with and you still would need iron. Only when % sat and serum iron is good or high would you not need more iron.

The bottom line concerning HIGH Ferritin

 Elevated ferritin levels are usually due to causes such as acute or chronic inflammation, chronic alcohol consumption, liver disease, renal failure, metabolic syndrome, or malignancy rather than iron overload

• Exclude these causes clinically or with initial tests such as full blood count, liver and renal function, and inflammatory markers (C reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
• A normal serum transferrin saturation (ideally fasting) usually excludes iron overload (where it is raised) and suggests a reactive cause for raised ferritin
• Unexplained serum ferritin values >1000 μg/L warrant referral for further investigation
• Consider HFE mutation screen for hereditary haemochromatosis in individuals with elevated ferritin AND a raised transferrin saturation >45%

Ideally values should be:

Saturation should be 34-45%

TIBC should be 240-450ug

Serum Iron should be 90 – 130                    

Ferritin should be 70 – 100 (certainly no lower than 45)

References:  BMJ British Medical Journal    2015; 351 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3692 (Published 03 August 2015)Cite this as: BMJ 2015;351:h3692

We use  FORTIFY / Iron Chelate 30 mg supplement designed to support healthy hemoglobin levels to transport oxygen to the cells and prevent anemia. The main active ingredient in FORTIFY / Iron Chelate 30 mg Is ferrous bisglycinate, a more bioavailable and tolerated form of iron than traditional forms of iron created by binding iron to amino acids. This supplement supports the maintenance of healthy levels of iron in the body accompanied by fewer digestive issues. This is an excellent supplement choice for individuals who want to prevent iron deficiency without risking an upset stomach to achieve that goal.

Men and women who take FORTIFY / Iron Chelate 30 mg on a regular basis as directed can expect to receive a number of important health benefits:

• Supports healthy hemoglobin levels to deliver oxygen to the cells.
• Promotes production of healthy red blood cells.
• Helps prevent or alleviate symptoms of anemia, including fatigue, dizziness and breathing difficulties.
• Improves muscle tone and elasticity.
• Aids brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain.

NOTE: If you’re TRULY iron deficient you need to know this … you can’t eat your way out of an iron deficiency. If you try to replenish your iron stores you would need about 100 to 200 mg of elemental iron per day for several weeks… equivalent to eating 6 kilos of cooked chickpeas, 5 kilos of beef every single day. You’re most likely going to need  iron supplementation…

Instead of dosing every day… (for some people)we suggest taking a dose every other day which is actually more effective than taking it every day. Weirdly enough alternate day dosing improves iron absorption more than daily dosing.

This “software glitch” happens because when you take a dose of iron the enzyme levels of hepcidin increases which blocks iron absorption for 24 hours. But after 24 hours the levels of hepcidin start to fall and your iron absorption improves.

Plus, taking a dose of iron every other day is cheaper and has less side effects