Celiac disease and iron malabsorption

[AvdBrink]

Dear Celiac.com forum members:

I am a 73-year Dutch male citizen who was diagnosed 'celiac' back in 1995. From this followed evidence of osteoporosis as well as a moderate anaemic condition (HB being mostly at around 7 or lower). For the anaemic condition I received the commonly prescribed ferrofumerate during several years, which didn't improve things. Then followed direct iron suppletion through infusion in the vein (once a year). But for me things really improved when, 2 years ago, I discovered (through the internet) the drug iron pyrophosphate. I myself use Springfield's Ferrincell (no advertising intended!), which fairly quickly brought HB levels up to around 7,9. Although standard HB values for adult men are are set between 8 and 11, the effect on me has already meant a significant, positive boost to my energy level and overall wellbeing. I'm communicating this to your excellent website, as this information may be helpful to others who are also having to deal with the malabsorption of iron as a result of their celiac condition, as I did. For me it has meant a big difference and I wish I had found out about iron pyrophosphate much earlier. With thanks for your very informative magazine which keeps me up-to-date on the various aspects and developments of celiac research and related issues.

AvdBrink

 

[Scott Adams]

Thank you for sharing this, and I found it on their web site here:

https://springfieldnutra.com/en/products/ferrincell/ 

[Courtney09]

I have had celiac disease for over 20 years and have also been anemic for as long as I can remember.  Is the anemia supposed to stop when you start a gluten free diet because then your digestive system heals or can anemia continue on even with a gluten free diet?

[AvdBrink]

Dear Courtney09,

Yes, as the digestive system heals (which may take many months if not years), iron absorption should also improve, provided one sticks to a strict glutenfree diet. However, in my case iron absorption remained poor, even after being 25 years on a gluten-free diet. That is why I searched and searched the internet, came upon Ferrincell, and for me it seems to work. I feel much better now and have much more energy. That is all I can say. See also:

https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/related-conditions/anemia/

Wish you well! André

[knitty kitty]

There are other nutrients necessary for red blood cell production which help correct anemia.  

Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Riboflavin B 2, Niacin B 3, Thiamine B 1, Pyridoxine B 6, Folate B 9, and Cobalamine B12 are the vitamins needed to prevent and correct anemia.  Minerals like Copper and Zinc are also needed for red blood cell production.  These are vitamins and minerals that we have a difficult time absorbing due to Celiac Disease.  

Boosting your ability to absorb these nutrients by taking vitamin and mineral supplements can help improve anemia.  

Discuss supplementation with your doctor and nutritionist.

References:

Suboptimal Biochemical Riboflavin Status Is Associated with Lower Hemoglobin and Higher Rates of Anemia in a Sample of Canadian and Malaysian Women of Reproductive Age

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31318024/

...Effect of vitamin A supplementation on iron status in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29336593/

....The effect of vitamin D supplementation on hemoglobin concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6998164/

....Riboflavin intake and status and relationship to anemia

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36018769/

...Copper deficiency anemia: review article

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29959467/