Iron deficiency

If I suspect an iron deficiency, I will send patients to their doctor for a full iron study.  This not only checks for available iron in the blood stream, but another type of iron stores called Serum Ferritin.  The range for this in most laboratories is 15 - 290, and ideally I like to see women at 120 - 150 for optimal health and energy.   If it is lower than this, then iron deficiency is likely to be a factor in their fatigue symptoms, even if it appears to be within "normal range"    To build iron I use: Liquid herbs containing iron such as nettle and yellow dock; Green Smoothies containing spirulina and parsley; Green leafy vegetables such as silverbeet and broccoli; Foods such as dried figs, prunes, raisins and dates; and Sea vegetables If the deficiency is severe, I will use an organic iron supplement short term, as well as correcting the digestive system to help the absorption of iron from food. Simple remedies like a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before meals can increase digestive juices and improve mineral absorption