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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child Has Low Ferritin, High RDW, Low RBC. Taking Iron Supplement. Cause?

son age 3 has had ongoing iron supplement for low ferritin, RDW high, RBC low, MCV ranges low end, has had to be on iron for much longer than expected. Being considered for celiac due to gastro symptoms. Dairy eliminated also due to ear infections and low ferritin. What could be causing? We are not genetically predisposed or ethnically linked to Thalessemia risk but this is next on the blood work checks.
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi,
Thank you foryour query,
The low ferritin, high RDW, low RBC and MCV are suggestive of iron deficiency because of low iron stores in the body.
The most common cause of iron deficiency is low iron in the diet.
Iron should be given in the therapeutic range till for 1 month after the hemoglobin normalizes to replenish the iron storage in the body along with vitamins like folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C.
Hope I have answered your query.
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Child Has Low Ferritin, High RDW, Low RBC. Taking Iron Supplement. Cause?

Hi, Thank you foryour query, The low ferritin, high RDW, low RBC and MCV are suggestive of iron deficiency because of low iron stores in the body. The most common cause of iron deficiency is low iron in the diet. Iron should be given in the therapeutic range till for 1 month after the hemoglobin normalizes to replenish the iron storage in the body along with vitamins like folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. Hope I have answered your query.