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Iron issue
My Iron and associated report. Please see if I have deficiency? BMI 45......should I do any more tests
19 June 2026
Iron: 36.47 μg/dL
TIBC: 296.6 μg/dL
Transferrin Saturation: 12.3%
UIBC: 260.16 μg/dL
Ferritin: 210 ng/mL
Hemoglobin: 12.8 g/dL
Hematocrit: 42.7%
RBC: 4.91 × 10⁶/μL
MCV: 87 fL
MCH: 26.1 pg
MCHC: 30 g/dL
RDW-CV: 13.6%
RDW-SD: 43.1 fL
RDWI: 241
Mentzer Index: 17.7
hs-CRP: 33.1 mg/L
30 March 2026
Iron: 56.29 μg/dL
TIBC: 369.6 μg/dL
Transferrin Saturation: 15.23%
UIBC: 313.31 μg/dL
Ferritin: 204 ng/mL
Hemoglobin: 13.9 g/dL
Hematocrit: 45.7%
RBC: 5.38 × 10⁶/μL
MCV: 84.9 fL
MCH: 25.8 pg
MCHC: 30.4 g/dL
RDW-CV: 15.1%
RDW-SD: 47.1 fL
RDWI: 238.3
Mentzer Index: 15.8
hs-CRP: 26.1 mg/L
Reading your two panels together: your ferritin (204-210) is not low, but transferrin saturation is only 12-15% with a rising TIBC, and your hs-CRP is markedly high at 26-33. That pattern is functional iron deficiency / anaemia of inflammation, which is very typical with BMI 45 - the inflammation from obesity traps iron in stores and falsely lifts ferritin. Haemoglobin 12.8 to 13.9 with borderline low MCV fits this, not classic blood-loss iron deficiency.
Next Steps
Rather than piling on iron tablets, get these: fasting sugar and HbA1c, lipid profile, TSH, LFT with ultrasound abdomen (fatty liver is near certain at this BMI), vitamin B12 and D3, creatinine, urine routine, and a repeat CRP after a few weeks. Stool occult blood if you have any dark stools or acidity history. Iron supplements help only if TSAT stays low after the inflammation is addressed - the real fix here is 8-10% weight reduction, protein-rich diet and daily walking. Book a consult with me on Practo and share both reports; I will work out a proper metabolic plan and decide if iron is needed at all.
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If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
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Iron is low, crp high. Please share details of your symptoms as treatment depends on overall clinical condition.
Your bmi is very high, reduce weight by diet, exercise, gradually and consistently.
Also get thyroid function tests done and share results.
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If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at eight six one nine six six nine nine zero six. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
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