HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Will It Take For The Iron To Build Up In My Body?

Hello, I was recently diagnosed with iron deficient anemia, my iron level is at a 12. I have been taking iron supplements and eating iron rich foods for the past three weeks, and I was given 2 weeks off of work( though I went in a few days). I however continue to feel dizzy, exhausted and lack concentration, and have had to continue to take days off work. How long will it take for the iron to build up in my body?
Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Report Abuse
  User's Response
Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM. You have not specified what tests you have done. A Hb level <12 g/dl in non-pregnant female and <13g/dl in male should be considered as anaemia. Serum iron <13 micromol/l (for male) or <11 micromol/l (for female), serum ferritin <12 ng/ml should be considered as Iron deficiency. In case you have iron deficiency anaemia, after treatment with iron supplementation Hb rises little for 2 wk but then rises 0.7 to 1 g/wk until near normal, at which time rate of increase tapers. Anemia should be corrected within 2 months. A 6 month supplementation is needed to replenish body iron stores. So, I think you shouldn't worry and continue with the iron supplementation as prescribed by your doctor. If you feel dizzy, and exhausted even after another week, please consult your doctor and have a repeat Hb done. For any further query, please write back to us. Regards. Dr. Kaushik
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Anemia


Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Will It Take For The Iron To Build Up In My Body?

Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM. You have not specified what tests you have done. A Hb level 12 g/dl in non-pregnant female and 13g/dl in male should be considered as anaemia. Serum iron 13 micromol/l (for male) or 11 micromol/l (for female), serum ferritin 12 ng/ml should be considered as Iron deficiency. In case you have iron deficiency anaemia, after treatment with iron supplementation Hb rises little for 2 wk but then rises 0.7 to 1 g/wk until near normal, at which time rate of increase tapers. Anemia should be corrected within 2 months. A 6 month supplementation is needed to replenish body iron stores. So, I think you shouldn t worry and continue with the iron supplementation as prescribed by your doctor. If you feel dizzy, and exhausted even after another week, please consult your doctor and have a repeat Hb done. For any further query, please write back to us. Regards. Dr. Kaushik