Actually, hemoglobin level, hematocrit or red blood cell count will not indicate the status of your iron stores Unless they're so profoundly depleted that you finally become anemic as a result.

Stored iron is measured by a test (expensive) called "serum ferritin". Excess stored iron has been suggested in studies conducted in the mid- to late-1990's to pose heart disease risk. However, studies done since that time have not been able to duplicate the results of the Finnish and Japanese studies, and in fact more recent studies show the exact opposite to be true .. higher iron levels are associated with LESS risk to heart health, while low levels increase your risk.

For the most part, the caution against iron supplements is aimed at older men and post-menopause women. Younger women who are still menstruating are unlikely to have excess stored iron, nor are persons engaged in vigorous exercise, since some iron is lost in sweat.

Folks might want to have a read through this previous post on the subject.


Doreen