Most people are aware of the symptoms of iron deficiency and are quick to supplement this mineral if they are feeling tired. But iron supplementation should be monitored by your health care provider. Admittedly, the standard lab alone (CBC) may not detect iron deficiency, but when ferritin levels and/or serum iron with TIBC are measured, we can more accurately assess iron status. For example, I’ve found clinically that many patients are deficient in both iron and Vit. B12–the result is a “normal” CBC in many cases. But let’s look at the other end of the spectrum–iron overload. Iron is a toxic mineral in excess and should never be supplemented without the appropriate tests and monitoring by your doctor. Please read more here.
