Iron level 3.9. How low is this?

[TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme]

Got blood tests back today for my DD (13) along with a prescription for iron tablets. The receptionist said it was a little low at 3.9. I've googled but I cant find out the normal range. She's been so poorly so wasn't expecting it to be a "little low" more like "very low" iyswim.

Can anyone shed any light on this reading please?

Thank you

It’s low.
How low depends on your lab values though tbh.
In my area anything between 15-300 is normal but in the area where I work anything over 20 is ‘normal’.
Can you ask for a printout? It will show the blood test results and the lab values, it’s always good to have a print out (if they agree) so you can see how things improve. It would also be handy for you to know what other things were tested and see if they are the low end of normal or at a good level.
The iron tablets can cause constipation whilst getting used to them so maybe get some fybogel in and if she takes them with orange juice it can help the absorption. I hope she feels better soon.

Instead of googling and speaking to the non medically trained receptionist I would call the surgery and asked to speak to a nurse or doctor for advice.

Thank you FatherBrowns When I pick up the prescription later, I'll ask for a printout. She has had iron tablets at the beginning of the year and luckily didn't suffer any ill effects from them so hopefully she will be fine this time soon.

Happy I actually have a telephone consultation booked for the end of next week with her GP. Was only asking a question because a) I wanted to know and b) cos next Friday is a long way away. I shall wait with more patience next time.

That sounds like the iron result. It's low but what you really need is your ferritin (which is the value the second poster is talking about) and transferrin saturation levels as well as they give you an idea of stored iron etc. Ideally full blood test too to check heomoglobin for anaemia. The reference values for the NHS set the bar very low and you have to be on your knees low before they recognise it so don't let them fob you off and certainly talk to a doctor not a receptionist. Thriva do an AT home full iron test for £35 but hopefully she's already had the tests done and can get a print out.

Dr thank you. I remember her blood form saying Full blood count and Ferritin. I'll see if I can get a printout.

Good idea. The reference values ie normal for ferratin are around 12 to 300 but don't listen to that. Ferratin should be around 50 - 70 at least and many people, not sure about kids though, will get symptoms of iron deficiency under 30 even though doctors might say it is fine.

Really? I'm so surprised at posters saying normal iron is 20+ the highest iron level I've had to my knowledge was 13.8 and I was told that was a good iron. I had to have a blood transfusion when my iron was 7.3. I'm shocked that at 3.9 the receptionist stated a little low.

Iron and ferritin levels are different. We check ferritin and only do iron if the ferritin us ambiguous(it's an acute phase protein so rises in inflammatory disorders cancers/infections etc and gives a falsely high level so then you need a fasting iron level)

@TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme how much iron has your dd been prescribed? My dd has been given ferrous gluconate 300 mg once a day. Her levels are 6 and same age. Just wanted to know as I think she should have been prescribed two a day as per the medicine leaflet.

Hi Literally DD was prescibed ferrous fumarate 210mg. 1 x tablet twice a day.

I hope your DD feels better soon

Thank you @TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme

So just thought I'd give a quick update.

Spoke to the Doctor who said her iron was low but her haemoglobin was ok. She was given another few months of iron tablets and a different contraceptive pill to try (its her 3rd different one so hopefully 3rd time lucky). She also put in a referral to gynaecology. Reassuringly or worryingly, I don't know which yet, her appt has come through for 24th August.

I don't know what, if anything, can be done to help her.