Expert advice

Linda Cumines Nutritionist

Linda Cumines is an accredited practising dietitian nutritionist who has held positions at Sydney's Lidcombe Hospital under the late Victor Chang. ASK ME A QUESTION

High iron levels

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Do not alter your diet until you've clarified this with your GP, as iron levels within the normal range allow your body to function well...

Question:
I've recently been told by my GP that I have high iron, and that it may be from a good diet. When I was younger I was Anemic, which made me feel tired and nauseous. Now when my iron levels are high, can that have a bad effect on me?

I would recommend that you ask your GP to clarify what he or she meant.

Your circulating iron levels might be good (and within the normal range), to which a healthy diet would contribute.

In other words, your iron levels might not be higher than they should be. If your GP found your iron levels to be greater than the normal range, then ask for the blood tests to be repeated and make sure you are not dehydrated when you do the tests.

Do not alter your diet until you've clarified this with your GP, as iron levels within the normal range allow your body to function well, both physically and mentally. On the other hand, an excessive levels of iron are not desirable.


Milk or no milk? Sugar cravings Mineral water or tap water? High iron levels
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