Bloodwork results from lab Summer 2014

[VitaminB12]

July 24, 2014 8 am (bus to lab)

TSH 5.95
Reference range 0.35 – 5.00 miU/L


Free T4 13
Reference range 12 – 22 pmol/L


Free T3 4
Reference range 2.6 – 5.7 pmol/L


Vitamin B12 746
Reference range >220 pmol/L


Ferretin/iron 37
Reference ranges 31 – 79  ug/L reduced iron stores, 80 – 300 ug/L normal iron stores

I found out recently that I having been drinking too much water given the high water content in my diet (plenty of vegetables and fruit). The symptoms I attribute to hypothyroidism are also symptoms of too much water. See my other post entitled Drinking too much water? I wonder if too much water is the reason I don't have enough iron in my system or if I have an absorption issue. I went to a talk about water by a medical professional at my local natural health store a while ago.  

[VitaminB12]

I figure if I wish to obtain an accurate picture of the current iron level in my blood I will have to wait until after the iron panel to start supplementation.
I just don't know yet when I will be able to get to the doctor to request it. I sure hope he cooperates. He doesn't seem concerned at all about the "reduced iron stores" (ferretin).

[VitaminB12]

Thank you for your post. If I have "reduced iron stores" would it be safe to start the supplement before the iron panel? I know my mom previously had an iron deficiency and did supplementation and she eats fish, poultry, and red meat.

[Barb135]

Please note that the iron content in most of vegetable based sources is minimal and as I noted above, a single serving of each will only provide a small portion of your daily needs.  You'd probably be wise to supplement, as well.

[VitaminB12]

Thank you very much for the info.
I do not eat fish, poultry or meat.I do not eat soy either.
I eat many of the plant based sources of iron you mentioned and others as well. I know I posted a list of foods I consume some time ago which include hemp hearts and quinoa. I must start eating lentils more regularly as the iron content is higher than for beans/chick peas.

[Barb135]

It's not a bad idea to get the iron panel; however, as I've already noted, neither dairy, nor eggs are significant sources of iron.  Since dairy gives you, basically, nothing for iron, and you have 2 eggs/day, that's only 8% of your daily needs.  That means you have to make up the other 92%  with other foods.

The top 10 foods highest in iron are:  

I'm not sure if you eat any fish or not, but mollusks (clams, oysters, scallops, mussels, etc) are very high in iron; they are considered the number 1 source of iron.

Next, of course, is liver, which we know you don't eat and that's perfectly okay.. most people don't... lol

#3 is squash and pumpkin seeds (also sunflower and flax seeds, but not so much).  Fat content is a concern, here.

#4 is Nuts - Cashew, Pine, Hazelnut, Peanut, Almond (Also Hazelnuts,  Peanuts, Almonds, Pistachios, and Macadamia but not so much).  I'm sure you're aware that nuts are very high in fat, so consumption must be limited.

#5 is Beef and lamb, which we know you don't eat - not to worry.

# 6 is Beans and Pulses (white beans and lentils)

# 7 is  Whole Grains, Fortified Cereals, and Bran

# 8 is Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Swiss Chard)

# 9 is Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder  (Aaaah  Chocolate... lol)

#10 is  Tofu... but keep in mind that soy is a goitrogen and inhibits thyroid function.  It should be avoided.

Be aware that a single serving of each of these foods will give you only a portion of your daily needs.

[VitaminB12]

Thanks for the info. I eat yogurt, Greek yogurt or kefir daily. I have been trying to eat eggs more frequently. I have two per serving usually hard boiled. I did scramble them before.

I still would prefer to have the iron panel prior to considering a supplement.