Hi
I recommenced rowing a few years back and was going out for a paddle once a week. In 07, our group did the training for an 8.1 kms row. Last year in November, we did it again. Then followed up by training for the Australian Masters Games in February. In December, I was due to give blood but the Blood Bank knocked me back because my iron was 12.9 g/L with Ferritin 44.24 Ug/L. I took iron tablets and ate more meat. In March 09, I again went to the Blood Bank and I was 123g/L and 63.72 Ug/L. This would suggest my iron stores were getting low due to the increase in exercise. Had lab tests FBE, BFO, FES, MBI, CRP,TFT in March. HB was 12.8 but everything else was normal readings. Did not row for a couple of weeks and then only paddling for fun once a week. Had another FBE test in April with HB at 13.1 g/L. Normal donating level is 13.0 - 18.0. Went to the Blood Bank in April. This time I was 13.3 g/L. I have always been around 13.1. I have read a lot on iron intake and this site's information.
If the ferritin level indicates adequate iron stores for a 62 year old male, the question is can my iron levels be raised further. A female staff member at the Blood Bank had 15.0 level!
Any information would be gratefully received.
Regards
John