How can I have low iron levels but not be aneamic?

Hi Madonbrew,

Great Question!

Sometimes we have temporary low iron levels and this could be due to surgery, for example. This doesn't mean that you are anemic, but you do need a replacement of iron until your body is able to store enough iron to get your levels back up to normal again.

Then there's Vitamin C-- which causes a nutrition-related iron deficiency. Without sufficient amounts of vitamin C, you can become iron deficient. Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency include low serum iron levels, weight loss, weakness, irritability and diffuse muscle and joint pain throughout your body.

Chronic Renal Failure can also cause low iron levels. These conditions may or may not be diagnosed as anemia--since they are secondary conditions but I hope this helps.

Rosa