Entry for May 31, 2007

I keep reading about how an iron deficiency can cause a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Iron plays a central role in the hemoglobin molecule of red blood cells. So I decide to pull up my blood test from March 29, 2006.

Hemoglobin : Anything over 170 is above normal and mine is 172.
Hematocrit : Anything over 0.49 is above normal and mine is 0.51.
RBC : Anything over 5.70 is above normal and mine is 5.83.

All of my blood readings are basically normal so is it possible that I’m not low in iron? Low hematocrit and hemoglobin are a signs of an iron deficiency and mine are on the high side of normal.

So why is it working? My vibration is gone, today was the second straight day without any magnesium and although it’s subtle, I am noticing a few things and have a bit more energy. It’s weird but I can feel a slight change in the clarity of my breathing so I think the candida is slowly getting better.

Another thing I’ve noticed is the whites of my eyes don’t seem to have as many red veins. Sounds silly but I’ve really noticed a difference. There seems to be a change with my eyes but other than the white part, I can’t quite put my finger on it. And another change? This sounds weird but for a while now, and I mean years, every time I would have a bath and rub the water on my face or in my eyes, they would always, always, always be bloodshot once I got out of the bath. It’s one of those things I’ve noticed and assumed that the water was irritating my eyes. Well since I’ve started taking the iron, it doesn’t happen anymore. Weird?

Also came across this:

Copper deficiency, due to its effects on ceruloplasmin, may cause an iron-deficiency anemia which can only be corrected with copper supplementation as it impairs iron absorption, reduces heme synthesis and increases iron accumulation in storage tissues.

I’d almost be willing to bet that most women have problems with iron because of the link with estrogen and copper levels. So how can I not be low on iron if there is a link to low copper levels?

Other Mineral Interactions

If you’re slugging down iron pills but remain weak and anemic, the culprit may not be iron at all, but another metal: Copper. A new genetic find explaining why is described by a University of California, Berkeley, scientist and his colleagues in the February, 1999 issue of the journal Nature Genetics.

The researchers discovered a protein, hephaestin, that appears critical for moving iron to the bloodstream. This protein contains copper and cannot be produced in the absence of copper. Thus in some cases, having too little copper present even with an ample iron supply might cause anemia, said the lead author on the paper, Assistant Professor Christopher Vulpe of UC Berkeley’s Division of Nutrition and Toxicology in the College of Natural Resources.

Iron supplementation, with as much as 200mg of elemental iron per day, is the obvious therapy for treating and preventing the recurrence of iron deficiency anemia.

Supplemental zinc (zinc gluconate, 22mg per day) improved zinc levels but reduced iron levels in a study of 11 young women with low iron stores (plasma ferritin< 20 µg/L), but who were not yet anemic.

Vitamin A and iron supplementation had the following effect on anemic pregnant women: 35% became non-anemic with only Vitamin A. 68% became non-anemic with just iron supplementation. 97% became non-anemic after supplementation with both Vitamin A and iron.

If I do end up going to a doctor for an iron test and he agrees, he’ll probably test the hematocrit and hemoglobin as well. Could it be possible to have high levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin along with a low level of iron? Did I lower them in the year I’ve been taking supplements? Can taking iron raise the levels hematocrit and hemoglobin? So many new questions.

Stay tuned…

Entry for May 31, 2007

The vitamin company that makes the iron chelate got back to me with their response and it was excellent!

“Thank you for your inquiry regarding Iron Chelate 25mg product, we appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

Our Research and Information Services explain that Natural Factors shows the total amount of elemental minerals on the label. The reason for this is to provide a true mineral value per tablet or capsule. Each tablet or Iron Chelate contains 25mg of elemental iron.. In the chelated form this product has a 90% absorption potential.

Our Product Manual contains the following for your interest:

Iron is critical to human life. It plays the central role in the hemoglobin molecule of red blood cells (RBC) where it functions in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and the transportation of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Iron also functions in several key enzymes in energy production and metabolism including DNA synthesis.

Supplemental iron helps build healthy red blood cells and prevents iron-deficiency anemia.”

Fantastic!

Entry for May 31, 2007

Had some car problems today so I took the morning off work. While the car was in the shop getting repaired, I ventured over to the Naturopathic College of Medicine. They have a health food store inside and they have a lot of great unheard of stuff. Maybe they will be more willing to talk so I can get a better understanding of iron.

I checked out the entire store and they had very little options in terms of iron supplements. They had a liquid iron supplement and it was very similar to mine so I begin the questions… The product said on the label it contained 10 mg of iron gluconate and continued to say it “contained” 19.35 mg of iron. Does this mean elemental iron? The salesperson wasn’t sure so we looked it up in the product manual. Still not clear so I asked a few more questions and I think she was a little intimidated as my questions were not the “regular Joe” type questions. I was looking for knowledge and she said I needed to speak to a naturopath and I understand completely. I asked her if she would recommend any homeopathic remedy for an iron deficiency and she referred me to a naturopath once again.

Nothing is ever easy…

Entry for May 30, 2007

Found this today on the dosage of iron.

How much is usually taken? If a doctor diagnoses iron deficiency, iron supplementation is essential. To treat iron deficiency, a common recommended amount for an adult is 100 mg per day; that amount is usually reduced after the deficiency is corrected. When iron deficiency is diagnosed, the doctor must also determine the cause.

So with that, I take the 25 mg of iron chelate just before bedtime for a daily total of 45 mg. More googling turned up some interesting links between iron and candida.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a protein molecule which attaches itself to the iron in your food to transport it to your cells. Frequently iron deficiencies are caused, not by lack of iron, but by poor iron absorption because of insufficient lactoferrin.

The soil organisms in Nature’s Biotics may help to eliminate iron deficiencies caused by insufficient lactoferrin as they have been shown to produce lactoferrin. Lactoferrin helps prevent excess iron in the blood by transporting that iron to cells.

Important for dealing with a Candida yeast infection, lactoferrin may help prevent Candida from using iron as a food source. The significance of this is that free iron may be a primary food source for Candida. Take that food source away by increasing the amount of lactoferrin, and the Candida yeast infection may not do so well.

Nature’s Biotics is particularly useful if you are taking iron supplements, as they tend to be poorly absorbed. If you don’t increase your lactoferrin levels, the iron supplements could end up feeding the Candida yeast.

Lactoferrin is a globular multifunctional protein with antimicrobial activity (bacteriocide, fungicide), is part of the innate defense, mainly at mucoses. Lactoferrin is found in milk and many mucosal secretions such as tears and saliva. Lactoferrin is also present in secondary granules of PMN and also is secreted by some acinar cells. Lactoferrin can be purified from milk or produced recombinantly. Human colostrum has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow milk.

Entry for May 30, 2007

The same thing happened again after lunch. I didn’t take any magnesium today and I didn’t get the cold hands, but I did have an upset stomach and mild cramping. Now I know these are symptoms of too much iron so I need to know if what I’m doing is right.

I stopped into the health food store on my way home. I wanted to ask them about the dosages of iron. When I asked about it, she asked me if it was for my wife. This is the second time this has happened as I guess it’s so rare for men to have a deficiency. So I explain it’s for myself and she asked me what my doctor thought of this. Of course, I haven’t spoken to any doctor and if I did, I’m sure I will be brushed aside once again. Unless of course I tell him I’m a vegetarian. Mmm…something to think about.

She was very reluctant to give me any advice and suggested I speak to my doctor. Kind of disappointing but I was kind of expecting it. So I asked again about the dosage for iron as they sold the liquid form in the store. She agreed it was a very low dosage and showed me some iron pills that were as high as 50 mg. It wasn’t in the gluconate form so I still don’t know what to think. Why don’t I send an email to the company that makes the iron chelate and see what they say?

Good idea!

Entry for May 30, 2007

Drink Soda and Damage Your DNA

Sodium benzoate, a preservative used in large quantities in soft drinks like Sprite, Dr. Pepper and Oasis, may cause severe damage to DNA and increase your risk of related diseases like Parkinson’s while accelerating the aging process.

Sodium benzoate appears to damage the “power station” of cells, known as the mitochondria, according to a British aging expert at Sheffield University. His studies found that the preservative can “totally inactivate” and “knock out” cells’ mitochondria, which causes the cells to seriously malfunction. The end result is an increased risk of a slew of diseases.

Sodium benzoate has also come under fire because, when combined with the vitamin C in many soft drinks, it forms benzene, a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia. In one study, at least five brands of soft drinks were found to contain excessive benzene levels.

Sodium benzoate is used freely in the United States and the UK. Fortunately, you can protect your health from this dangerous substance by not drinking soda (and not allowing your kids to either). This is one of the easiest — and most significant — things you can do for your health; and aside from the good news that you won’t have to worry about damaging your DNA, giving up soda (if you drink it) can reduce your risk of diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

So put down the can of soda, and pick up a glass of clean water instead.

Entry for May 29, 2007

Now that I’ve discovered the iron deficiency, I thought I would look back at the hair analysis from the naturopath. Yup, exactly what I thought…my iron level is within the normal range. Same with selenium and zinc.

What a joke…

Entry for May 29, 2007

Today started off great. I decide once again to skip my morning magnesium just to see what happens. By noon, I’m still feeling good so I decide to take the magnesium with my lunch. I’ve gone long enough to know that the iron is making a difference.

Within minutes of taking the magnesium and for the rest of the afternoon, my hands are cold. It’s weird so I take the homeopathic magnesium and it has no effect. I try the homeopathic iron and it has no effect either. An hour later I start getting the feeling of an upset stomach and I don’t feel very well.

Around the time I was leaving, I started to feel better and by the time I got home, I felt great again. It was very weird but I suspect it was the magnesium. Buy why? I’m still not sure…

It has to be related to the mineral ratios.

Entry for May 29, 2007

I can’t seem to get a clear understanding of how much iron I should be taking. Most of the web sites suggest getting a blood test and talking to your doctor. I’m not sure I should go back to my regular doctor with this new info and ask for a blood test and his advice. While searching, I came across this:

It is important to understand that different types of iron preparations contain different amounts of elemental (pure) iron. Iron containing varying amounts of elemental iron, as follows:

Ferrous sulfate (20% elemental iron)
Ferrous gluconate (12% elemental iron)
Ferrous fumarate (33% elemental iron)
Ferrous lactate (19% elemental iron)
Ferrous chloride (28% elemental iron)

For adults who are deficient in iron, 50 mg to 100 mg elemental iron three times daily is the recommended intake. Toxic effects of iron may occur at doses of 10-20 mg/kg of elemental iron.

Very interesting information if you consider that the supplement I bought contains 10 mg of Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Lactate. 10 mg would be about 1% elemental iron and they recommend 50-100 mg of elemental iron three times a day?!! I think I need to seek professional advice.

Iron Solution 1 teaspoon 5mL contains:

Iron (Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Lactate) 10 mg
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 25 mcg

Entry for May 29, 2007

NO VIBRATION!!!

And without taking any magnesium yesterday… so my problem all along was an iron deficiency?

 

Entry for May 28, 2007

Low Iron Could Help Spur Baldness

WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2006 (HealthDay News)

Could iron deficiency be key to baldness?

The answer is yes, according to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, who reviewed scientific literature on the connection published over the past 40 years.

“If doctors can understand fully the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss, then they can help people regrow hair more effectively,” study leader Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research in the department of dermatology, said in a prepared statement. “We believe that iron deficiency may be related to many forms of hair loss and that people may need higher levels of iron stores than previously thought to regrow hair.”

The review of data suggests that iron deficiency may be linked to several of the most common kinds of hair loss. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest universal screening for iron deficiency in hair-loss patients and further research is required, the researchers said.

The findings appear in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Iron deficiency is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency. It can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron, excessive menstrual bleeding, and other forms of blood loss. Treatment includes adequate dietary intake of iron and, when appropriate, iron supplements.

Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic routinely screen for iron deficiency in patients with hair loss. If iron deficiency is detected and treated in the early stages, patients may be able to grow hair more effectively, the researchers said.

— Robert Preidt

Entry for May 28, 2007

According to this article, 3% of men are iron deficient. And people with iron deficiency anemia always feel cold. That’s me for sure!

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency in the absence of anemia is asymptomatic. One half of patients with moderate iron deficiency anemia develop pagophagia. Usually, they crave ice to suck or chew. Occasionally, patients are seen who prefer cold celery or other cold vegetables in lieu of ice. Leg cramps, which occur on climbing stairs, also are common in patients deficient in iron.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. About 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient. Iron deficiency can’t be corrected overnight. You may need to take iron supplements for several months or longer to replenish your iron reserves.

Some people with iron deficiency anemia always feel cold. They feel cold because iron plays a role in regulating the body’s temperature.

Iron is the backbone nutrient for enhancing the building of oxygenated blood. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are also needed to make healthy blood. Lacking any one of these three vitamins can cause red blood cells not to form properly. Some supplements contain highly superior coenzyme forms of these nutrients. Since these special B-vitamins are already pre-energized, they require no contribution of body energy to make them work, which is a huge issue if a person is already fatigued from poor iron status.

Iron has recently been identified as a key nutrient in cells that enables thyroid/ zinc gene signals to function in metabolic pathways. A lack of iron inside cells may reduce up to 80 different gene signals that would otherwise be following “thyroid instructions.” A lack of iron may handicap metabolism and cause metabolic fatigue.

Entry for May 28, 2007

It’s Monday so it’s back to work again. I decide to start the day by taking the iron. It’s a liquid form and it needs to be refrigerated so I’ll keep it at home. I’ll give it a couple of hours and take my magnesium at work.

I get into work and usually I get the cold hands symptom and take the magnesium. Today was different because it didn’t happen. So I thought I would skip my lunch dosage of magnesium to see how long I can push it.

By late afternoon I can’t believe the results so I’m off to Doctor Google and discover that iron plays a role in regulating the body’s temperature. So as a test, I won’t take any magnesium today and see if this has any effect on the internal vibration.

Stay tuned!

Entry for May 27, 2007

Today I discovered a link with copper and iron as well as a description of iron’s role on the nervous system and a link with candida.

The influence of copper upon human health is due to the fact it is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron deficiency anemia.

Copper is also involved with an enzyme that strengthens connective tissue (lysyl oxidase) and in brain neurotransmitters (dopamine hydroxylase and peptidyl alpha amidating monoxygenase). One of the proteins, ceruloplasmin, transports copper as well as helps convert iron to a form that can be transported to other tissues.

Iron is an essential element in maintaining normal structure and functions of the central nervous system. Dangerous effects of decreases in the bioavailability of iron in the brain are shown to affect brain biochemistry, neurotransmitters production and function, mainly in the dopamine-opiate systems well as cognitive functions (learning and memory) and a number of physiological variables such motor activity and thermoregulation. Recent research has shown the added complications and deficits that are introduced in the endocrine and the immune system activity. While iron deficiency is not perceived as a life threatening disorder, it is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world and a better understanding of the modes and sites of action, can help devise better treatment programs for those who suffer from it.

Uncontrolled overgrowth of Candida in the mouth may be caused by factors that reduce the natural resistance such as taking oral antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids. It can also be caused by poorly fitting dentures, excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash, and other factors such as iron deficiency.

Entry for May 26, 2007

One thing I noticed right away since stopping the zinc was the stuffiness in my nose has returned. That can only mean the return of Candida. I guess two months is not enough. Doctor Google?

Zinc Treatment

Treatment of mild or moderate zinc depletion can take months to complete. Some cases of severe zinc depletion require a year or more to resolve.

I’ve been talking to my wife about iron and she mentioned how she had a blood test for iron years ago and it was low. The doctor prescribed “Iron Gluconate” and a follow up blood test.

I wish I had purchased the iron gluconate instead of the chelate. I need something with high absorption. I don’t think the MSM is making a difference so I’ll stop taking it and focus on the iron for a while. Back to the health food store….

I purchase a liquid form of iron gluconate. Here is the dosage:

Iron Solution 1 teaspoon (5mL) contains :

Iron (Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Lactate) 10 mg
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 25 mcg

Entry for May 25, 2007

Iron should not be taken at the same time as zinc and magnesium . Not really the ideal situation for my issues so today I end up taking half of my usual magnesium dosage of 600 mg and I stop taking the zinc altogether. I figure I’ve been taking a high dosage of zinc for a while now.

This morning? Woke up with the vibration….

I’m finding it harder and harder to believe that the vibration is being caused by the magnesium alone. I’ve been taking the best form of magnesium for months and although I have success and I feel it is making a difference, I don’t have resolve.

Entry for May 25, 2007

Licorice acts as an adrenal stimulant and antacid. It contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that raises the body’s levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol. This occurs because licorice slows the breakdown of cortisol produced by the body. As adrenal function is often sub optimal in CFIDS/FMS, licorice can be helpful. Licorice also protects against stomach ulcers, whether in its ordinary form or in the form of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), a type of licorice extract from which the glycyrrhizin has been removed. In several head-on studies against pharmaceutical antacids and acid inhibitors such as cimetidine (Tagamet), DGL was found to be at least as effective against stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Take 2 to 3 grams (2,000 to 3,000 milligrams) of licorice root (not deglycyrrhizinated licorice [DGL]) twice a day for six to eight weeks. The patient may then taper off over a period of ten to fourteen days. Licorice can raise blood pressure or cause an overly high cortisol level if taken on an ongoing basis. It is best used short-term as a “jump-start” in raising cortisol levels. It also has antiviral properties, which can be very helpful in CFS.

After four to six weeks on licorice root, add 100-200+milligrams of Asian ginseng twice a day. This is safer than licorice. If it helps, it can be taken for an extended period (one to two years) in cycles of six weeks on and one to two weeks off.

Echinacea- 325 to 650 milligrams of encapsulated freeze-dried Echinacea plant or 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of dried Echinacea root three times a day. Take it in cycles of six weeks on and two weeks off–if taken continuously, it stops working.

Entry for May 24, 2007

Last night I went to bed really late and I thought I would be tried when I woke up. Nope, in fact, I felt I had a bit more energy than usual for going to bed so late.

So today I decide to add two new supplements. The effects of taking the extra selenium seemed to have stopped and my weak knees are still the same. I added MSM back which I’ve tried before but I’ll try it again. I also added Licorice Root and iron.

I’m trying the Licorice Root for the link with candida and the adrenals. I’m trying iron because it’s known cause for hair loss and I read today that low iron can be caused by low levels of magnesium and zinc.

Iron Deficiency

Blood loss, or malabsorption are considered to be the main causes for low iron after ruling out any of a number of blood disorders, however low iron can very easily result from manganese levels having been low for a long period of time, or from other elements such as calcium, zinc, or magnesium reducing normal iron values.

Iron is interesting because I’ve never taken it before except for a very low dosage in my multivitamin. So it’s linked to hair loss, fatigue and weakness.

The other very interesting thing is the fact that I do eat ice chips. I don’t go around eating ice chips every day but I do if I’m in a restaurant and it’s something I’ve always done for years. Something to think about so I’ll try taking iron for a couple of weeks to see what happens.

Iron Antagonists:

Zinc, calcium, magnesium, tin, cobalt, Vitamin B2,Vitamin B5, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, caffeine, insoluble fiber, rice (phytates), tea (tannic acid), soy protein, dairy (casein), oxalic acid, [folate]

Since I’m taking zinc and magnesium, I’ll stop the zinc altogether and reduce the magnesium just to see what happens. Today, I start taking Iron Chelate in a low dosage of 25 mg.

Entry for May 21, 2007

Three days of Brazil nuts and I can notice the difference. It’s very subtle but the first thing I noticed was my skin. I can’t really explain it but it feels “tougher” and stronger. Then I noticed my hair starting to grow. Another thing I’ve noticed was the candida. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I can feel it slowly going away too.

Selenium deficiencies limit cellular immunity against yeast.

Phagocytes (cells active in cell-mediated immunity) require selenium for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase function. Peroxidase activity in phagocytes is higher than in most other tissues (approximately twice that in red blood cells), and this is reflected in a higher need for selenium. The glutathione peroxidase system is an antioxidant enzyme system and is especially critical for phagocytic cell function. It has been experimentally demonstrated that selenium deficiency selectively causes a predisposition to yeast infection

All the supplements I’ve tried for candida and the one thing that works is Brazil nuts. Where did I read that? Nowhere. I was googling selenium and a site said that they contained the highest concentration and because they are so high in Selenium, I only eat three – four a day. That’s it and it’s natural.

The vibration comes and goes but for the most part, I’m not vibrating anymore.

This is the road to recovery. The beginning of the end? God I hope so. It’s only taken me two years to figure this all out. Or have I?

Entry for May 20, 2007

Brazil nuts’ selenium storing secrets revealed?

19 October 2006

Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium, an essential trace element, and now scientists have identified 15 selenium-containing peptides in the tasty treats.

The discovery should help them to understand why Brazil nuts are so good at accumulating selenium.

Selenium is believed to offer protection against heart disease and to help prevent cancer particularly of the prostrate. It is also a powerful antioxidant – meaning that it can protect cells from free radical damage. Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium containing about 2500 times as much as any other nut.

The selenium peptides were by identified by Ryszard Lobinski and colleagues from the University of Pau and the Adour, France, who have detected, fragmented and sequenced 15 new selenium peptides from Brazil nuts.

Lobinski started by breaking down the Brazil nut proteins using the digestive enzyme trypsin. He then used two stages of size exclusion chromatography coupled with ICP (inductively coupled plasma) mass spectrometry (MS) to purify and concentrate the selenium-containing compounds.

In the next step, the researchers used two mass spectrometry techniques in parallel. The first – based on ICP – allowed the researchers to work out how long it took the peptide to pass through a chromatography column. Using this information, the team then used a second technique – electrospray ionisation – to pick out characteristic selenium isotope patterns of the peptides. They could then fragment and sequence these peptides to identify them.

Sam Houk from the Iowa State University, Ames, US, said, ‘this is an excellent example of the value of element-specific information from ICP-MS combined with molecular information from ESI-MS in studies of proteins or peptides with heteroatoms. Neither technique alone could identify these seleno proteins.’