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

What Causes Decrease In The Hemoglobin Level Despite Taking Iron Supplements?

I have donating blood and have done so regularly this year 3 times. My hemoglobin has been dropping but I was not aware of it until I went in about 5 days ago. It was 12.5 and I was informed that the newly set standard for men has been raised to 13. I took iron pills(2 a day for the past 5 days) and went back to the blood donor center to find that my hemoglobin had dropped to 12.1. What is going on? Thanks Bobr
Tue, 21 Jan 2020
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Those values changes you mention are not enough to draw conclusions. Measurements may vary slightly in the same person depending on factors like how hydrated you were, how diluted your blood was.

And also because machine measurements may vary somewhat, 12.5 to 12.1 is not a big enough difference to call it a significant drop.

As for the iron, 5 days are not enough to notice any effect of iron on hemoglobin, levels, may take a month.

Also, you can not be sure that iron deficiency has anything to do with it unless you have iron and ferritin levels checked.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Olsi Taka, Neurologist
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
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Decrease In The Hemoglobin Level Despite Taking Iron Supplements?

Hello, Those values changes you mention are not enough to draw conclusions. Measurements may vary slightly in the same person depending on factors like how hydrated you were, how diluted your blood was. And also because machine measurements may vary somewhat, 12.5 to 12.1 is not a big enough difference to call it a significant drop. As for the iron, 5 days are not enough to notice any effect of iron on hemoglobin, levels, may take a month. Also, you can not be sure that iron deficiency has anything to do with it unless you have iron and ferritin levels checked. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Olsi Taka, Neurologist