Taking Iron Tablets

[smurfchops]

Just had a blood test back saying my white blood cell count is a little low. I get lots of viruses and colds so have started taking Zinc tablets every day. I also take Kelp tablets every day as my thyroid is borderline and I am always tired, thinning hair, etc. I take 20 mg simvastatin daily. Dr doesn't want to see me about blood count, however would it be safe, seeing as I'm rattling with pills already, to take Iron (ferrous sulphate) to improve white blood cell count ? I am 62. Not sure what pills counteract other pills. Thanks all.

[Sqad]

Taking iron tablets will be a waste of time........they will have no effect at all on your white cells.

[smurfchops]

Is there anything I can do Sqad ?

[boxtops]

I know I've said it before - but if the GP doesn't feel it's worth doing anything about your white cell count, he can't be worried - but if you want to, go and see your pharmacist. They'll be able to advise what's best for you, and to know what won't interact with all your other medication.

[Sqad]

Well, clearly your white cell count isn't causing your DR any concern, so we need not go down the road of investigating that further.

Your borderline thyroid is quite interesting as there could well be a connection between your low white cell count and underactive or borderline thyroid.

Your symptoms are certainly suggestive of an underactive thyroid.

I would go to your GP and ask if you could have a trial, of say 3 months of thyroid tablets.

[atalanta]

Ask your pharmacist about taking iron together with zinc. In some circumstances, one can interfere with the other.

[slaney]

You say the white cell count is only a little low, and your doctor is not concerned. The most common cause for this is a viral infection, so it should right itself if this is the case.
Have you had a thyroid function test done recently?

[slaney]

Atalanta - as Sqad rightly says iron tablets will not help here...
and my post crossed with Sqads..

[smurfchops]

I had a thyroid test a couple of months ago, I have them annually and they are always borderline. The blood test which showed the low white blood cell count was done two weeks ago, but I haven't had a virus for a couple of months.