Iron - how much is too much?

[Newbirth]

I started giving blood after reading PPLP and the chapter on iron.

Does anyone know how much iron is too much? Before you give blood they prick your finger to test for iron and they said mine was 41%. They also said they didn't take anyone under 38%. Does anyone know if 41% is a good number or anything? :question:

[cmcole]

At my last donation, I was 38 or 39%. Just able to give. I've been as high as 41% previously, and the last time (eight weeks before the last donation), I was as low as 36% (hence the deferral).

I've been asking the same question (http://www.proteinpower.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1716), in a different fashion - like how can I ensure I am high enough. I haven't really managed to delve enough information to get a handle on that, either. Apparently, the RDA is 18 g iron per day, preferrably from food sources rather than supplements, but I've been tracking it in fitday, and I haven't yet reached that amount, so I'm not quite sure what to do.

Lifestyle, apparently, has much to do with what you need, as well - exercising and running apparently depletes your iron stores.

It's all very complicated. If you get a handle on it, please post it here to share.

[Newbirth]

In the book, the Eades' say that most people get too much iron. My B-50 has the RDA of 18mg, and that's on top of whatever I normally eat.

I'm just wondering if I'm too high at 41%, or if that's a good amount of iron.

[Gaelen]

You aren't too high at 41%. ;) Remember, <38% is too low to give any of your blood away...

I'm actually on iron supplementation (325mg ferrous sulfate) because chemo and liver resection were horribly depleting to my system and my ferritin levels are still not consistently 'normal.' They vary because of exercise and intake.

Liver and other organ meats (which most people do not eat regularly or in sufficient quantity) are also good natural iron sources.

[Bogie]

If you can do more than 8 reps, you need to add at least a couple of pounds. Try to do at least three sets.

It's the "let's wave the girly weight around" bit that makes you stringy rather than curved... Muscle is sexy, and do not be afraid of strength training.

Oh. That kind of iron...

[Newbirth]

If you can do more than 8 reps, you need to add at least a couple of pounds. Try to do at least three sets.

It's the "let's wave the girly weight around" bit that makes you stringy rather than curved... Muscle is sexy, and do not be afraid of strength training.

Oh. That kind of iron...
Heh. I can curl 20 pounds. When I can do three sets of 10 reps I know it's time to increase the weight. :)

[Newbirth]

You aren't too high at 41%. ;) Remember, <38% is too low to give any of your blood away...

I'm actually on iron supplementation (325mg ferrous sulfate) because chemo and liver resection were horribly depleting to my system and my ferritin levels are still not consistently 'normal.' They vary because of exercise and intake.

Liver and other organ meats (which most people do not eat regularly or in sufficient quantity) are also good natural iron sources.
Ah ok, thanks. That makes me feel better. I just worried because I do take a supplement with iron, which everyone says not to take. I just can't afford the one without iron.

I can't stand organ meat. My dad forced me to eat liver as a child. I never liked it. Now a spinach salad I could do... :)

[cmcole]

We cooked chicken livers and hearts with the regular chicken, to have on the side last night. I try to get some liver or organ meat in on the weeks that I give plasma, because I don't want to be deferred for another eight weeks, again.