How to confirm the requirement for iron supplements?
Patient: Got blood test results cholestrol 160 LDL 70 hdl 79 triglycerides 56 Vitamin D 59 blood sugar 97 CBC 6.7 red 4.10 hemoglobin 11.9 hematocrit 34.8 I am a 53 year old active woman with no health issues but nurse practicitioner thinks I need iron supplements....I m not so convinced ...you suggestion Doctor: Hi, dear. I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. You have anemia but from this report only we can not say its always due to iron deficiency. Thete are many othet causes. Even vitamin B12 deficiency may produce same. Sp you should go for peripherals smear examination and serum iron and ferritine level.  If ypur iron and ferritine level comes low tjen you should take iron treatment.  Otherwise tale treatment according to cause.Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.