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What Causes Low Serum Iron And TIBC?

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Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2014
Question: Hi. i am quite tired lately and my lower legs and ankles ache. i had blood work done and both my serum iron and TIBC were low. I have read on the internet that this indicates a chronic illness. Anemia of Chronic Disease. Is this always the case?
My doc said that I should repeat the tests in 2-3 weeks. But if I have a serious chronic illness, I would rather find out sooner than later.
I have uploaded my latest blood test for you to review.
Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You should take iron supplementation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

I have gone through your reports in detail.

Your serum iron and TIBC(Total iron binding capacity) are low.
However,hemoglobin level and RBC count are normal,this is a good indicator.It means only reservoir is low.

You shouldn't worry at all.This is a common problem among ladies and it is completely treatable.

You should take iron rich foods like jaggery,dates,green leafy vegetables etc.If you are non-vegetarian then you can also take chicken,meat etc.

You should also take iron and folic acid supplemenation. Besides this,you should take vitamin B complex and vitamin C capsules once daily.

Ultrasound of abdomen can also be done.It will screen abdominal organs.

You need few other investigations like Lipid profile,Renal function test. Dyslipidemia can cause tiredness and ache,so it should be ruled out.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Indu Kumar

Radiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 6729 Questions

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What Causes Low Serum Iron And TIBC?

Brief Answer: You should take iron supplementation. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM I have gone through your reports in detail. Your serum iron and TIBC(Total iron binding capacity) are low. However,hemoglobin level and RBC count are normal,this is a good indicator.It means only reservoir is low. You shouldn't worry at all.This is a common problem among ladies and it is completely treatable. You should take iron rich foods like jaggery,dates,green leafy vegetables etc.If you are non-vegetarian then you can also take chicken,meat etc. You should also take iron and folic acid supplemenation. Besides this,you should take vitamin B complex and vitamin C capsules once daily. Ultrasound of abdomen can also be done.It will screen abdominal organs. You need few other investigations like Lipid profile,Renal function test. Dyslipidemia can cause tiredness and ache,so it should be ruled out. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX