Should I take an iron supplement

[RLK]

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The other day in an Anatomy and Physiology lab I was working with blood. I had to prick myself with a lancet in order to draw blood to use for the experiment. I've never had a problem with seeing blood or anything, but for some reason after I did this I got really lightheaded and nearly passed out. My lab instructor had to buy me a bottle of orange juice. When I tested the concentration of hemoglobin in my blood, it showed that I was in the Anemia category. I was wondering if you thought that an iron supplement may be of some use to me? I was really hot before I did this test and I drank a large coffee about an hour before this. I'm wondering if I drew blood again and tested it if I would even test the same. My professor said I could try it again next week, but I'm not too sure if I want to now after nearly passing out.

Thanks

 

[Kubed]

Maybe instead of just taking an iron supplement, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.

 

[DOtobe]

First, there are many things that can cause anemia, not just iron deficiency. Second, I doubt you were anemic enough to be symptomatic (i.e. passing out) - I've seen patients with a hemoglobin of 7 that feel completely fine. I don't think you have anything to worry about, but if you are worried you should go see your doctor.

BTW, nice avatar. I'm a Stillers fan too. 👍

 

[Chrysanthemum]

someone has weak stomach! jk

did you eat anything besides coffee that day?
hypoglycemia maybe the cause. I know when i drink coffee i can get pretty hypoglycemic sometimes if i don't eat. so hypoglycemia on top of anemia on top of drawing blood could be reason for getting light-headed.

iron would help but i'd definitely see a physician if i were you (that was my disclaimer 😉 )

 

[delicatefade]

You need to see a physician to determine the cause of your anemia. Like some of the above posters, mentioned, anemia can have more causes than iron deficiency.

 

[cremaster2007]

It sounds like you had a vaso-vagal response. I know some people who have never had a problem either, and when we were doing IV's in lab on each other they had the same thing happen. I've even heard of people that everytime they see their own blood they pass out. I'm sure there are lots of other things going on, but whoever posted above is right, I doubt you were "anemic" enough to make you pass you, you would have other symptoms before that. But you should look up the vaso-vagal response thing, at least it's interesting to read about.

 

[electra]

Go to your doctor and have a physical and some testing.

This sounds more vaso-vagal as an above poster suggested. You may be anemic, but that is likely unrelated to your passing out; you were exposed to a common stimulus, and exhibit symptoms of vaso-vagal syncope.