Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C | Iron Supplement to Support Healthy Skin, Iron Absorption, and Overall Immune System Health* | 60 Capsules

I went to the doctor for abnormal fatigue and exercise intolerance. Lab testing showed a serum ferritin level of 26 ng/mL as well as a low vitamin D 25-hydroxy serum level of 25.6 ng/mL. My doctor prescribed 2000IU of vitamin D daily to get the vitamin D levels back on track but said nothing of the ferritin because it was "normal" according to the lab and I did not have anemia. I did my own research and decided to take this iron supplement which my doctor approved of since she personally considered that level "low-normal."I am not sure why the label of this supplement says to take with food when so many foods will render the supplement useless. According to the Iron Disorders Institute (http://www.irondisorders.org/diet/) it seems almost everything interferes with iron absorption:EggsCalcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, sardines, canned salmon, tofu, broccoli, almonds, figs, turnip greens, and rhubarb)Oxalates (tea, spinach, kale, beets, nuts, chocolate, wheat bran, rhubarb, strawberries and herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley)Polyphenols (cocoa, coffee, apples, peppermint and some herbal teas, spices, walnuts, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries)Phytates (walnuts, soy protein, fiber, almonds, sesame, dried beans, lentils, peas, cereals and whole grains)I began taking 1 of these every day in the afternoon between lunch and dinner, about 1.5 hours away from food (not quite the 2 hours the Iron Disorders Institute recommends).During the same period, I took a multi with vitamin D with breakfast (along with a separate magnesium supplement). The zinc in the multi, as well as the magnesium, inhibit iron absorption so I made sure to take these away from the iron. Within a few weeks of taking the supplements, I started to get a little energy back. I was no longer falling asleep in the middle of the day. Since I took different supplements at the same time, it is difficult to say if the energy improvement came from the vitamin D or the iron (I had been taking magnesium for my migraine disease for over 6 months already, so it wasn't that). My guess is it was the vitamin D, as I continued having symptoms of low ferritin which had grown to include palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain. I was sent to a cardiologist for EKGs, a 3-week heart monitor, an electrocardiogram (sonogram for the heart), a stress test, etc and was cleared of any heart issues. I even went to the ER once because the chest pain was accompanied by lightheadedness and tingling in my left arm and hand, signs of a serious heart problem. In the ER they did EKGs, chest x-rays, and troponin tests that all said I was fine - it wasn't my heart. Later I found out that tingling and lightheadedness are also symptoms of low ferritin.After 2 months of supplementing we retested and my serum ferritin level rose to 41, a rise of about 1.75 ng/mL per week for a total of 15 ng/mL! My D levels got up into the normal range too, at 38.69 ng/mL, eliminating that as the source of my problems. With a serum ferritin level of 41 ng/mL I was still having chest pain, but not as bad or as often. Some of the chest pain improved with massage of the pectoralis muscles. As the weeks continued to roll by I got better and better and could see the difference when I lifted weights. I was able to do the number of sets I used to do and no longer collapsed into sleep when finishing a workout. I continued taking the supplement for another 2 months until my level got up to 48 ng/mL and then stopped two months after that. Four months after I stopped, my ferritin was at 51 ng/mL and I have been symptom-free - no palpitations, no shortness of breath, no exercise intolerance.http://www.hormonesmatter.com/overlooked-cause-fatigue-low-ferritin/ This excellent article provides many links to pubmed research indicating the benefits of iron supplementation for women with unexplained fatigue and serum ferritin levels below 50 ng/mL.http://hairlossclinic.com.au/iron-deficiency-and-hair-loss-an-interpretation/ This trichologist talks about stopping women's hair loss when serum ferritin levels reach 70 ng/mL for at least three months.I got these articles to my doctor right after she listened to a speaker at a sports medicine conference who opined that for the best athletic performance, serum ferritin should be 60 ng/mL.For most folks, somewhere between 50-70 ng/mL is probably a good place to shoot for.

I love this company and it's pure products.I have a rare genetic immune deficiency I was born with.It One of the things it affects is my ferritin levels in my blood,I was getting iron infusions from my Hemo Dr. but lost my insurance.I was tried on the prescription ferritin but it caused severe pain in my legs and then tried other brands from the store and the same thing or caused my stomach to become inflamed.I found this on Amazon and after reading the reviews thought I would try it as I could tell my levels were falling again.Since taking this I know my levels are coming back up the cravings for popcicles and crunchy foods has lessened, not feeling so tired and short of breath, and the easy bruising has stopped,no upset stomach , no pain in my legs from taking it and it has the vitamin C in with it to help my body absorb it.This is a great company and great pure Ferritin.

I purchased these because I am low on Ferritin (my levels were 12 to be exact); I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and was diagnosed Aug 2017. Since I started my thyroid medications I have notice significant thinning of hair and loss. I knew I had to do something! I came across this product and decided to give it a try...I have tried VitronC Iron pills and didn't notice much difference as far as hair loss goes. To be exact I started using this product on 06/13/2018 and within a day or so I notice significant different as far as hair in the shower and in my brush. It's been exactly 1 week and a day and rub my hand thru my hair I don't see any strands come out! Before I had 15-20 (like 200+ per day) hair strands anytime I touched my hair. I take two pills per day at night. I did noticed a small acne breakout on the left side of my face and forehead...so I just exfoliated my skin more frequently and drank more water. As far as constipation, yes, it's totally happening now but I will address that by increasing my Magnesium intake. My urine was very BRIGHT YELLOW the first few days but things are back to normal. Guess my body needed time to adjust. Overall, this is an amazing product, my hair is more defined, curls are popping and myenergy levels are on point! I will test my Ferritin levels in 3 months and will update my review again. Thanks.,UPDATE: 07/12/18 OK, so it has been a month officially since I started taking the supplement, and let me tell you what a difference in energy, hair and skin! For starters, my hair loss has almost completely disappeared, I have absolutely less shedding from like 200+ strands per day to now like 20-30 maybe less hair strands when I touch my hair ! That's how significant the change has been. I also see a bunch of new baby hair in my sides and forehead and this is the first time that I wear my hair without adding fake fibers in my scalp! I am extremely happy and satisfied and will continue to use it until my levels are normalized. I ago in for bloodwork in September and I will try to update again. Also, my lashes are super long and I'm seeing more growth in my eyebrows. I combined this with Vitafusion vitamins (Biotin 5000mg). More to follow. :)