I'd like to get some advice from some knowledgeable Slowtwitchers about the best way to get my iron levels back up and keep them up before my IM on Oct. 13th. I was feeling super sluggish on my rides and runs so I had my blood tested on August 22nd and found out my iron levels were very low (Iron: 26mcg/dl; Iron saturation 7%; Ferritin 10ng/ml; Hemoglobin 11.5g/dl; and hematocrit 38.2%). My PCP has me on 325mg of ferrous sulfate twice daily. I don't have internal bleeding; the doc just said that this is common in runners.
I am seeing mixed results from day to day. Some days I am feeling very strong and some days I can barely make it through the workout. I assume my iron levels may be fluctuating? Is there a way to help facilitate or expedite the iron level restoration before my race and keep them up? (I am taking B12 vitamins every and drinking OJ.) Should I take some time off and let the levels recover? If so, how much time? Any other advice?
BTW: M/56/143 pounds - otherwise in great shape.
Anyone else had to deal with something similar?
Thanks for any insight on this; I've trained very hard and I'm starting to panic.
Bill
I am seeing mixed results from day to day. Some days I am feeling very strong and some days I can barely make it through the workout. I assume my iron levels may be fluctuating? Is there a way to help facilitate or expedite the iron level restoration before my race and keep them up? (I am taking B12 vitamins every and drinking OJ.) Should I take some time off and let the levels recover? If so, how much time? Any other advice?
BTW: M/56/143 pounds - otherwise in great shape.
Anyone else had to deal with something similar?
Thanks for any insight on this; I've trained very hard and I'm starting to panic.
Bill