Ontario is Changing What’s Considered a “Normal” Level of Iron
Province of Ontario updates markers for what is considered "normal" level of iron. Will other provinces follow this advancement?
Mainline Wellness is encouraged by two recent CBC articles outlining why Ontario updated its limit on ferritin to 30 micrograms per litre, from 10 to 15 micrograms per litre. This means, to put it more simply, low ferritin (the protein in our bodies that stores iron) has a higher threshold leading to improved care access for patients suffering from symptoms of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
This article, by Amina Zafar, outlines the frustration and uphill battle hematologist and scientist, at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Dr. Michelle Sholzberg, has been fighting seeing "patient after patient with unaddressed iron deficiency." Dr. Sholzberg goes on to say that once symptoms are treated with oral supplements or IV iron, patients report "that their life has changed, that they feel like Superwoman, that they can concentrate again, that they can go through a day without feeling exhausted."
Responding to the memo sent to physicians about the change to guidelines, Dr. Menaka Pai, a professor of hematology at McMaster University and the province's clinical lead for hematology said in this CBC article "I don't think it's hyperbolic to say we're actually going to be changing the lives of Ontarians... It's going to alert more ordinary Ontarians who didn't even know they were iron deficient. It's going to tell them, listen, this is why you don't feel good."
Fundamentally, these are great steps that Mainline hopes will encourage likened changes to current guidelines in British Columbia and across Canada. These higher thresholds will allow patients to attribute symptoms to a cause and take steps to feel better.
A critical piece to the puzzle of solving symptoms is that IV iron is safe, effective and affordable for most. Oral iron can take some time to address symptoms, is expensive (tablets aren't cheap, are rarely covered by insurance and need refilling) and can be difficult to absorb and often cause constipation. Further, many peoples' diets prevent them from getting adequate iron from food sources and many others are simply not able to absorb the ideal amount of iron.
October Appointment Openings!
Please contact our clinics in False Creek and Surrey. We have openings available and can often accommodate last-minute requests.
About Mainline Wellness
Mainline’s mission is to offer fast, safe, friendly, and comfortable iron infusion services for patients and referring physicians across the Lower Mainland. By reducing wait-times and providing timely access, the Clinic aims to boost patient well-being and overall physical health while decreasing the burden placed on hospital infusion services.
Do you have questions about iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia? Email Mainline Wellness at info@mainlinewellness.ca
Do you think you might be iron deficient?
Here are some symptoms to look for:
Low energy
Chronic napping
Pale skin
Heavy or irregular periods
Cold hands and/or feet
Restless legs
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have low iron or be anemic. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get your iron checked. Taking steps to treat iron deficiency and anemia is simple. If you have questions or wish to find out more about how an iron infusion may help, the team at Mainline Wellness is happy to help and can be reached by phone at 604-876-2344 or email at info@mainlinewellness.ca.
Mainline's Patient-Centred Approach
At Mainline Wellness, we are focused on improving the awareness and understanding of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in Canada to help more patients get the help they need – preoperative or otherwise.
We are committed to offering safe, timely, and accessible ER physician and nurse supervised iron infusions. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if iron infusions may be helpful for you. Treatment can begin within one week.
Our Locations
Vancouver
672 Leg in Boot Square
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B4
by Appointment Only
Phone: 604-876-2344
Mainline Vancouver is accessible by pedestrian traffic only. Street parking is available nearby, and parking lots are accessible from these streets:
- Cambie Street (7 minute walk)
- 2nd Ave (3 minute walk)
- Moberly Road (1 minute walk)
Surrey - Now Open!
Suite 301, 9639 137A Street
City Center 2
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
by Appointment Only
Phone: 604-900-7007 Ext. 100
Mainline Surrey is located in City Centre 2, immediately adjacent to City Centre 1 at the heart of the Health and Technology District in Surrey, British Columbia. We are on the 3rd floor, Suite 301, within iScope.
Patient Safety
Our clinic is run according to the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons Class 3 Facility Safety and Equipment guidelines.
All clinical staff have active Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and years of experience working in urban emergency departments.