Male Celiac's And Iron

[Tutahl75]

I have a great nutritionist that I buy my supplements from. I told her that my nails were very weak and she said it's either my iron or calcium levels being low. She suggested a liquid iron called Floravim. It works great and doesn't upset my stomach and I've noticed my nails are stronger and an overall increase in my vitality.

I've been gluten free for about three years now and was wondering if any other guys are experiencing fluctuations in their iron? I know that guys don't require as much iron as women and I'm concerned about taking too much. I currently use it twice a week. Any thoughts?

[Ursa Major]

Have you actually had a blood test to determine exactly where your ferretin level is at? It is not a good idea to guess at that, since too little will make you weak and tired, but so will too much.

I suggest you see your doctor and ask for testing of your levels of the nutrients many celiacs are deficient in, like ferretin, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin K (somebody else please mention the ones I forgot). And it is a good idea to have a bone density scan as well. Because even men with celiac disease often have osteoporosis when still quite young (and of course, I don't know your age).

Of course, by now they should be normal. But somehow you seem to be having trouble absorbing nutrients still, hence checking your levels would be a good idea. Then you know what and how much to supplement with.

[tarnalberry]

I agree with ursa - iron levels aren't something to guess at. You want blood work to check on them - other things can affect your nails besides iron and calcium - and too much iron is bad for you in a number of ways (including your heart).