Understanding Anemia Despite Normal Ferritin: Causes & Solutions

Question
18 months ago RNY Gastric Bypass 300lbs
Currently 170lbs
BP 100/60
Total Chol 125
I take b-12 injections monthly
1200mg Calcium Citrate Daily
2 Centrum Silver chewables with Iron Daily.

last 2 blood tests 6 months apart show
Ferritin Normal
Folate Normal
B-12 Normal
RBC,CD 4.1 (4.4-5.80) Flagged LOW
HGB CD 13.2 (13.8-17.2) Flagged low
HCT CD 37.9  (41-50) Flagged low

How come red blood count and hemiglobin abnormal when the ferritin is normal?

Will over the counter Iron help or what should I do to correct this?  

Answer
Hi Alex,
Anemia can be from several reason. You can have normal ferritin and still be anemic. I see your Folate was normal. Was this Folic Acid or RBC Folate? You should have an Iron Level, Methylmalonic Acid level and Transferin level done.
This might be more helpful in finding the cause of the anemia.