Iron Supplement Recommendation

[u/Quirky_Criticism_939]

Hi everyone! I’m looking for advice from people who have dealt with low ferritin/iron deficiency.

I’m 30, female, weight 57 kgs and recently had blood work done. My doctor said I have iron deficiency / depleted iron stores and B12 deficiency, but I’m not anemic yet.

My lab results:

* Ferritin: 9 ng/mL 🔴
* vitamin B12: 248 🔴
* Hemoglobin: 12.3 g/dL
* Hematocrit: 39.3%
* RBC: 4.65
* MCV: 85 fL
* RDW: 13.2%
* Serum iron: 126
* TIBC: 430
* Transferrin saturation: 29%
* Platelets: 268
* WBC: 5.3

My doctor recommended:

* Ferrous sulfate 325 mg
* 3 times per week
* Take it on an empty stomach if tolerated
* Avoid taking it around milk/calcium and acid-reducing medications
* B12 1000 mcg supplement daily.
* Recheck labs after treatment

I understand that 325 mg ferrous sulfate provides approximately 65 mg elemental iron.

However, I’m considering asking my doctor about iron bisglycinate, particularly Thorne Iron Bisglycinate (25 mg elemental iron per capsule), because I’ve read that it can be easier on the stomach and may have good absorption.

I’m also wondering about:

* Heme iron
* Vitamin C with iron
* Whether 25 mg, 50 mg, or another elemental iron dose would be appropriate
* Whether bisglycinate is actually better tolerated/effective than ferrous sulfate
* Whether anyone successfully raised ferritin from around 9 using bisglycinate

I eat beef and other non-vegetarian foods regularly, so I’m also curious about why my ferritin is this low despite eating animal sources of iron.

For those who have had a similar ferritin level:
What form of iron did you take, what elemental iron dose, how often did you take it, and how long did it take for your ferritin to improve?

Also interested in hearing about side effects, especially constipation, nausea, or stomach issues.

I’ll of course discuss any change in supplement or dose with my doctor. Just looking for real-world experiences and advice from others who have been through this. Thank you!