Hi Sunny,
The combination of low ferritin, high TIBC and low transferrin saturation suggests iron deficiency but also suggests the possibility that this is caused by malnutrition. In your case, this would possibly be a result of inadequate absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, and from you have recently discovered, gluten intolerance may be the cause. If your attempts to eliminate gluten from your diet results in a higher Hb level, I think you are on the right track and that adding iron supplements may be of no real value, as improving absorption should be the goal. Be careful even with supplements to make sure they are gluten free. I will be very much interested in your progress.
Thanks so much Andy,
It all does make a lot of sense doesnt it?
The main issue now is that its extremely hard for me to figure out what foods/medicines may have hidden gluten. Am bloating since the last three days and I cannot figure out what i may have eaten! :-) I also noticed i start to get terrible body/joint aches the same time my tummy starts to bloat and the consti/IBS sets in.
I will have to start looking out for an exhaustive list of things to avoid. But the Medicines/vitamins here do not specify gluten-free or not. How on earth would i know? Am totally lost. But trying to read and figure it out.
:-)