Is a serum iron level of 3.3 μmol/L indicative of severe anemia?
Mar 29, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
A serum iron level of 3.3 usually refers to 3.3 μmol/L, which does not indicate severe anemia but rather mild anemia. In addition, low serum iron may be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric ulcer. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as cimetidine tablets and aluminum phosphate gel can be used for treatment. Consuming more iron-rich foods in daily diet can also help alleviate symptoms.
Serum iron level of 3.3 generally refers to 3.3 μmol/L, which does not indicate severe anemia but rather mild anemia.
Serum iron is an important indicator for diagnosing anemia. The normal reference range is typically between 9 μmol/L and 30 μmol/L. If a blood test reveals a serum iron level of 3.3 μmol/L, it suggests mild anemia, possibly due to prolonged dietary deficiency of iron, commonly leading to iron-deficiency anemia. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. It is recommended to increase intake of iron-rich foods such as animal liver, red dates, and lean meat. Additionally, under medical supervision, iron supplements such as polysaccharide-iron complex or dextran oral solution may be taken. In cases where gastrointestinal malabsorption leads to megaloblastic anemia or low menstrual blood volume, supplementation with folic acid tablets or vitamin B12 tablets under medical guidance may be necessary.
Moreover, low serum iron levels might result from gastrointestinal bleeding caused by gastric ulcers. In such cases, medications like cimetidine tablets or aluminum phosphate gel may be used under medical supervision. Increasing consumption of iron-rich foods in daily diet can also help alleviate symptoms.
