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Low Iron & Severely Vitamin D deficient

Colorscheme

So almost three years ago I was in a car accident and fractured my left knee up and down the right side as well as had a bunch of soft tissue inujries. I've been having problems with my knee since then even though I did four months of PT and tried to stay somewhat active.

I went to my new PCP because my insurance requires me to get referrals for specialists since my no fault case was closed four months after the accident. Well, since he was a new doc he wanted to be thorough and did a bunch of blood tests. Everything came back good except my iron and vitamin D. Both levels are 8 ng/dl. For the iron, that's not too bad but for the vitamin D, that's extremely deficient. Normal should be 25-30 ng/dl.

I'm guessing the doc will want to put me on vitamin D supplements and iron pills when I see him in a week and a half but I was wondering what kind of stuff could I eat that has iron in it. I've been anemic ever since having my son 17 months ago.

Keep in mind I am vegetarian and I am allergic to eggs. And I can't bring certain nuts in the house due to my boyfriend being allergic. Almonds are ok but peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc are not. I know spinach is good for iron but I can't think of anything else.

Replies

WholeFoods4Lyfe

If you don't already, start cooking in a cast iron pan.

As for Vitamin D, most Americans who live in the northern states are deficient coming out of Winter. I personally take a D3 supplemental from October thru March. He may prescribe you a supplement, but in the meantime, start getting outside, as little as 15 minutes per day in the sunlight can help.

Colorscheme

michelle172415 wrote: »

If you don't already, start cooking in a cast iron pan.

As for Vitamin D, most Americans who live in the northern states are deficient coming out of Winter. I personally take a D3 supplemental from October thru March. He may prescribe you a supplement, but in the meantime, start getting outside, as little as 15 minutes per day in the sunlight can help.

I can't really do that right now. The knee that I broke has been extremely painful the last two weeks. It hurts to bend, it hurts to straighten. It's tender on both sides of the kneecap. The more I use it the more it hurts, so I've been doing the bare minimum while talking care of my toddller. But once I see the orthopedist and get an x-ray and mri and know what's going on, I'll get outside more when possible. No NSAID's have helped.

I do cook in a cast iron pan, but not a lot. I'll try to do that more.

WholeFoods4Lyfe

I'm not saying that you need to go out jogging or anything, just sit outside, soak in some sun, you'll get some Vitamin D and since it sounds like you are going through a rough time, it may help to boost your mood as well. Good luck.

Colorscheme

True. I suppose I can sit outside while my toddler naps. Otherwise I'll have to chase him around outside.

jgnatca

I have a similar deficiency profile.

For anyone iron deficient, I recommend this cool little gadget.
http://www.luckyironfish.com
That, and iron fortified cereal for breakfast.

Vitamins and minerals this work together is iron and vitamin C (or anything acidic)

and

Calcium and vitamin D. Fortified milk will help you get both.

But iron and calcium fight each other so these two are better taken at least twenty minutes apart. I do this by having my iron first thing in the morning with a full glass of water and having breakfast twenty minutes later. But then I am a morning person and a leisurely pace first thing.

KarlynKeto

I used vitamin D drops, they are tasteless and got my vitamin D into a healthy range. I put them in salad dressings, smoothies or directly on my tongue. For iron I use a vegan plant based iron supplement that is far superior to the blood based irons on the market. Look for Blood Builder by MegaFoods, I get them at Amazon. It was the only thing to get my iron into healthy ranges. Good luck

lemurcat12

I take vitamin D supplements -- my DR thinks most who live in northern climates need them in the winter. Re iron, I am confused about it (not helped by my mother's doctors who have given contradictory information -- my mother has a condition where you get too much iron), but I believe greens are a good source. I'd increase your intake of them (although I'm not sure how much we actually can absorb, that's the contradictory info) until you can talk to the doctor.

Grimmerick

I am seriously D deficient, I take a daily vitamin D supplement and in the summer I try to get sun on large areas of my body as many days as I can. I also take an iron supplement if I don't eat my daily iron requirement and I take it with vitamin C or a food heavy with vitamin C to help absorb. Also try not to take supplements or eat a iron or calcium rich meal with caffeine such as coffee, it lowers the absorption. Also no calcium and Iron at the same time, they block each other as well.

Colorscheme

KarlynKeto wrote: »

I used vitamin D drops, they are tasteless and got my vitamin D into a healthy range. I put them in salad dressings, smoothies or directly on my tongue. For iron I use a vegan plant based iron supplement that is far superior to the blood based irons on the market. Look for Blood Builder by MegaFoods, I get them at Amazon. It was the only thing to get my iron into healthy ranges. Good luck

Isn't it bad to take iron supplements without the advice of a doctor first since too much iron is bad?

KarlynKeto

Colorscheme wrote: »

Isn't it bad to take iron supplements without the advice of a doctor first since too much iron is bad?

My doc threatened a blood transfusion if I didn't get my iron up, so I didn't do it without my doc. If someone says they are low iron, to me that means it's been verified by a doc and a blood test. But yes, self medicating with iron should always be I conjunction with a doc

Kimo159

For iron, oatmeal, breakfast cereals that are iron fortified (most are), spinach or other leafy greens (I add spinach to my smoothies). For vitamin D, try to get outside if you can, take a supplement if you must. I supplement in the winter but I'm outside enough in the other months that I don't need to supplement.

Colorscheme

KarlynKeto wrote: »

Colorscheme wrote: »

Isn't it bad to take iron supplements without the advice of a doctor first since too much iron is bad?

My doc threatened a blood transfusion if I didn't get my iron up, so I didn't do it without my doc. If someone says they are low iron, to me that means it's been verified by a doc and a blood test. But yes, self medicating with iron should always be I conjunction with a doc

Yeah, I am going to ask him how much iron I should be taking when I see him next. I don't want to start on iron without his approval. I did have a blood test and the ferritin came back as 8 ng/dl.

Kimo159 wrote: »

For iron, oatmeal, breakfast cereals that are iron fortified (most are), spinach or other leafy greens (I add spinach to my smoothies). For vitamin D, try to get outside if you can, take a supplement if you must. I supplement in the winter but I'm outside enough in the other months that I don't need to supplement.

Good idea. I do like greens, oatmeal and cereal

kimny72

I went to the blood center to donate this weekend and my iron was way higher than it usually is. I had hamburger cravings all week prior, so I had double the red meat I normally do. Coincidentally I had also had baby spinach salads for lunch all week (I tend to go on food kicks, as you can see!). So just another vote for having a good variety of foods that will give you a nice kick of iron until you get the official word from your doctor.

And I'm another Vitamin D3 supplementer. As a fair skinned northerner, I started taking it on my own, and when I got my next blood work, I was told I would be deficient if I didn't supplement (the D3 actually showed up separately on the report, so my doctor could tell I was supplementing and told me to keep it up). Good luck!

singingflutelady

KarlynKeto wrote: »

Colorscheme wrote: »

Isn't it bad to take iron supplements without the advice of a doctor first since too much iron is bad?

My doc threatened a blood transfusion if I didn't get my iron up, so I didn't do it without my doc. If someone says they are low iron, to me that means it's been verified by a doc and a blood test. But yes, self medicating with iron should always be I conjunction with a doc

Blood transfusions are actually awesome if you need them. I had 5 last year ( for severe anaemia and low albumin) and they make you feel much better. Iron infusions on the other hand did a whole lot of nothing (I had 8 and still needed transfusions).

GaleHawkins

@Colorscheme google about the importance of Vit K2 to keep Vit D3 from increasing vascular disease. While D levels need to be above 30 at min the 40-70 range seems to be needed for good overall health and reducing the risk of premature death. Google the subject but my take is good levels of Vit D are needed to move calcium from the blood into the rest of our bodies but Vit K2 is 'required' to make sure it goes into our bones and teeth vs. arteries and heart valves and cause CVD.

I was stuck in the 20's range for a long time before I learned out to get Vit D level into a protective range. Iron has never been an issue since I eat the below.

webmd.com/diet/iron-rich-foods

Vitamin D thoughts.

webmd.com/diet/guide/vitamin-d-deficiency

healthline.com/health/vitamin-d-deficiency#1

MelissaPhippsFeagins

Colorscheme wrote: »

So almost three years ago I was in a car accident and fractured my left knee up and down the right side as well as had a bunch of soft tissue inujries. I've been having problems with my knee since then even though I did four months of PT and tried to stay somewhat active.

I went to my new PCP because my insurance requires me to get referrals for specialists since my no fault case was closed four months after the accident. Well, since he was a new doc he wanted to be thorough and did a bunch of blood tests. Everything came back good except my iron and vitamin D. Both levels are 8 ng/dl. For the iron, that's not too bad but for the vitamin D, that's extremely deficient. Normal should be 25-30 ng/dl.

I'm guessing the doc will want to put me on vitamin D supplements and iron pills when I see him in a week and a half but I was wondering what kind of stuff could I eat that has iron in it. I've been anemic ever since having my son 17 months ago.

Keep in mind I am vegetarian and I am allergic to eggs. And I can't bring certain nuts in the house due to my boyfriend being allergic. Almonds are ok but peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc are not. I know spinach is good for iron but I can't think of anything else.

Broccoli is good for iron, so are raisins and up your vitamin C intake so that iron absorbs better.

Vitamin D is easy to fix. I take a walk at lunch every day. Even if it's cloudy, you still get some Vitamin D. eat some potassium rich foods to help that do its job properly.

Best of luck!

Colorscheme

MelissaPhippsFeagins wrote: »

Colorscheme wrote: »

So almost three years ago I was in a car accident and fractured my left knee up and down the right side as well as had a bunch of soft tissue inujries. I've been having problems with my knee since then even though I did four months of PT and tried to stay somewhat active.

I went to my new PCP because my insurance requires me to get referrals for specialists since my no fault case was closed four months after the accident. Well, since he was a new doc he wanted to be thorough and did a bunch of blood tests. Everything came back good except my iron and vitamin D. Both levels are 8 ng/dl. For the iron, that's not too bad but for the vitamin D, that's extremely deficient. Normal should be 25-30 ng/dl.

I'm guessing the doc will want to put me on vitamin D supplements and iron pills when I see him in a week and a half but I was wondering what kind of stuff could I eat that has iron in it. I've been anemic ever since having my son 17 months ago.

Keep in mind I am vegetarian and I am allergic to eggs. And I can't bring certain nuts in the house due to my boyfriend being allergic. Almonds are ok but peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc are not. I know spinach is good for iron but I can't think of anything else.

Broccoli is good for iron, so are raisins and up your vitamin C intake so that iron absorbs better.

Vitamin D is easy to fix. I take a walk at lunch every day. Even if it's cloudy, you still get some Vitamin D. eat some potassium rich foods to help that do its job properly.

Best of luck!

Oooh raisins, I didn't think of that!

Once I know what's going on with my knee I will try to get outside more. I'm really hoping the ortho can tell me what he thinks it could be because all nsaid's have failed me and I am in so much pain

HappyAnna2014

I'm in the same situation. With the Vitamin D, my doctor said this is a very common problem for women my age (I'm 52, I've been on the Vitamin D supplements for several years.) She told me to take a 5000 mg supplement daily. I asked about getting more sun, and she said that as a physician, she can not advise that (sun cancer risk). I've been taking the supplement and it works well.

As for the iron deficiency, it was diagnosed at a routine blood test in December. The doctor immediately sent me to the hospital for a blood transfusion. It was actually quite pleasant, and the next day I felt AMAZING!!! The doctor sent me to a GI specialist, who ran multiple tests looking for bleeding in my GI tract. In the meantime, the doctor told me to take an iron supplement. The GI doctor didn't find anything, no bleeding, no polyps, etc. He wants to give up and just keep me on iron supplements. I see my regular doctor on Thursday to discuss next steps. All my other blood test results are great. Not sure where my iron is these days.

I would like to note, I am a vegetarian, but I monitor iron intake through MFP, and I take a B12 supplement at my doctor's request. So, we will see where I am on Thursday. My doctor said it can't be anything too bad since all my other tests look good. I will be glad to get back to normal, though, and I hope I don't have to be on a supplement the rest of my life.

Good luck to you!!

KarlynKeto

singingflutelady wrote: »

Blood transfusions are actually awesome if you need them. I had 5 last year ( for severe anaemia and low albumin) and they make you feel much better. Iron infusions on the other hand did a whole lot of nothing (I had 8 and still needed transfusions).

I personally hope to never find out, lol. I have read some bad stories of people who hated it, I don't ever want to take the chance. I am just glad I found something that works.

Colorscheme

HappyAnna2014 wrote: »

I'm in the same situation. With the Vitamin D, my doctor said this is a very common problem for women my age (I'm 52, I've been on the Vitamin D supplements for several years.) She told me to take a 5000 mg supplement daily. I asked about getting more sun, and she said that as a physician, she can not advise that (sun cancer risk). I've been taking the supplement and it works well.

As for the iron deficiency, it was diagnosed at a routine blood test in December. The doctor immediately sent me to the hospital for a blood transfusion. It was actually quite pleasant, and the next day I felt AMAZING!!! The doctor sent me to a GI specialist, who ran multiple tests looking for bleeding in my GI tract. In the meantime, the doctor told me to take an iron supplement. The GI doctor didn't find anything, no bleeding, no polyps, etc. He wants to give up and just keep me on iron supplements. I see my regular doctor on Thursday to discuss next steps. All my other blood test results are great. Not sure where my iron is these days.

I would like to note, I am a vegetarian, but I monitor iron intake through MFP, and I take a B12 supplement at my doctor's request. So, we will see where I am on Thursday. My doctor said it can't be anything too bad since all my other tests look good. I will be glad to get back to normal, though, and I hope I don't have to be on a supplement the rest of my life.

Good luck to you!!

Awww, I had a blood transfusion as a baby. I was a preemie and the doctors took so much blood from me as a newborn, I ended up needing one.

I have other health issues but they're cardiovascular in nature so I don't know if that's a reason for low iron, but hopefully all I need are some supplements and a bit more iron rich foods and a good vitamin D supplement.

TeaBea

Colorscheme wrote: »

KarlynKeto wrote: »

I used vitamin D drops, they are tasteless and got my vitamin D into a healthy range. I put them in salad dressings, smoothies or directly on my tongue. For iron I use a vegan plant based iron supplement that is far superior to the blood based irons on the market. Look for Blood Builder by MegaFoods, I get them at Amazon. It was the only thing to get my iron into healthy ranges. Good luck

Isn't it bad to take iron supplements without the advice of a doctor first since too much iron is bad?

I had low iron for awhile. Was directed (by my Dr.) to take iron. Over the counter supplements are VERY potent, like 300% of RDA.

You might look at a multivitamin instead. I take Centrum now it's got like 40% RDA (vitamin D too). Not all multi's will have iron. Check labels (iron should always have a child proof cap).

singingflutelady

KarlynKeto wrote: »

singingflutelady wrote: »

Blood transfusions are actually awesome if you need them. I had 5 last year ( for severe anaemia and low albumin) and they make you feel much better. Iron infusions on the other hand did a whole lot of nothing (I had 8 and still needed transfusions).

I personally hope to never find out, lol. I have read some bad stories of people who hated it, I don't ever want to take the chance. I am just glad I found something that works.

I mean I wouldn't get one if I didn't need one but once my hemoglobin hits 6.0 I am ready for it

jamjam1977

Colorscheme wrote: »

michelle172415 wrote: »

If you don't already, start cooking in a cast iron pan.

As for Vitamin D, most Americans who live in the northern states are deficient coming out of Winter. I personally take a D3 supplemental from October thru March. He may prescribe you a supplement, but in the meantime, start getting outside, as little as 15 minutes per day in the sunlight can help.

I can't really do that right now. The knee that I broke has been extremely painful the last two weeks. It hurts to bend, it hurts to straighten. It's tender on both sides of the kneecap. The more I use it the more it hurts, so I've been doing the bare minimum while talking care of my toddller. But once I see the orthopedist and get an x-ray and mri and know what's going on, I'll get outside more when possible. No NSAID's have helped.

I do cook in a cast iron pan, but not a lot. I'll try to do that more.

starryphoenix

Spinach has a lot of iron. Supplements aren't always the best.

My moms iron got so low once that her hair started falling out. Lucky she put a stop to that.

I usually use sun and this stuff called ionic fizz for vitamin D.

jamjam1977

I saw that you said NSAIDs don't help. My orthopedic told me not to take NSAIDs for 2 years after my accident because it decreases bone growth. I was in an MVA and crushed my ankle.

I take Apex a liquid vit D, Solgar gentle Iron and Now magnesium Citrate. Per Dr recommendations for low vit D and low Iron. These are higher quality brands according to her and you can get them on Amazon.

TrickyDisco

Although spinach is a good source of iron it also contains oxalates which hinder the body's ability to absorb the iron. To combat this it's suggested to eat spinach along with a source of vitamin C and also avoid drinking tea or coffee along with your spinach-containing meal.

I love spinach, broccoli and all the dark green leafy veg, especially spring greens, but don't rely solely on them; some other veggie sources of iron are dried apricots, lentils, baked beans, peas and chick peas.

MelaniaTrump

You do not take a multivitamin? Even during pregnancy?
Did you know having children can rob your body of calcium?
A women's multi will have this and magnesium, boron, vitamin d, iron, vitamin c, etc.
I know multis are hated here, but in your case consider it just temporarily?

killielila

Vitamin D is easy to fix. I take a walk at lunch every day. Even if it's cloudy, you still get some Vitamin D. eat some potassium rich foods to help that do its job properly.

Best of luck!

No offense but i wish was as easy .ive came here looking for extra advice after seeing my GP today also have very low vit d and phosphates levels . Living in Scotland its almost impossible during winter to get enough sun to make enough Vit D . Ive been told i will need a maintanance dose for rest of my life for next 10 weeks on a very high dose supplement . And possiblity of longer dependant on bloods ..

Being both genetically predisposed to skin cancer and long term topical steriods for excema mean i have to be careful in what sun we have .