Options to Clear Ferritin

As of now, the only thing tested that is known to be abnormal is Ferritin.  Though it is still technically within the lab's normal range, knowledgeable practitioners will tell you that they like to see it between 20-50.  Mine has tested between 168-248 and was last measured at 204.  If I can get it under 100, it's still higher than optimal but probably not bad enough to produce significant symptoms.

 What's the cause of it?
There is one key methylation supplement called Folinic+ (formerly known as Methyl Mate) from Yasko that contains a small amount of Lactoferrin.  Though unconfirmed, I have a strong feeling that this is the culprit.  I currently take only 1 of those suckers per day and it must be taken with Methyl Folate or else.  At that dose, it won't hurt me from day to day.  In fact, each dose will raise my level only by a small fraction if my theory is correct.  Still, if it goes up by even 0.25 points per day, the 204 becomes nearly 300 by the end of the year which is bordering on dangerously high.  If the product is reformulated to take out the Lactoferrin, it would be great but I don't see it happening.

How to Clear it:
IP-6-  The is the easiest route to take and I am 90% sure that it will indeed reduce the Ferritin.  However, it is becoming increasingly clear that it is NOT going to be tolerated on an every day basis even at lowered doses while abstinent from caffeine.  For most patients, the risk of a reaction to IP-6 is low but I am not like most patients as my readers well know.  What could be causing this reaction?  Your guess is as good as mine.  I thought it could be Zinc but my last blood test proved otherwise.
I could try increasing my ratio of Zinc/Copper intake but that also seems unlikely.

Substitute product- I could try to find a substitute product that supports the same part of the methylation pathway that does not contain Lactoferrin.  Sam-e won't work and it seems unlikely that Ultimate B will work so most likely, scratch that option.  I could ask Yasko about it but that also seems unlikely.

Stop Methylation Support- This is really looking like a viable option now.  I tried a couple days without it and got by okay.  The need for Zinc/Copper and the adrenal support arose before the need for methylation.  If I stop both the MF and MM, I save money and there is a good chance that without any Lactoferrin in my cocktail, my Ferritin will eventually come down without IP-6.  Still, the fact that I am homo on the MTHFR mutation suggests that I need at least some methylation support.   Perhaps I can get by with occasional use while also tolerating IP-6 maybe a couple times per week.  That would be a delicate balancing act but I've been through worse.

I am due for another Ferritin test in 2 weeks and predict a reading in the 150-175 range.  If it drops under 20, that's also BAD.  I will experience fatigue and symptoms of anemia.  That's why it's important to test at regular intervals.  I think it's very unlikely that it will drop below 100 so quickly but let's suppose that it does.  Am I confident that this is the smoking gun and a near normal reading will result in significantly increased energy?  No.  I'm afraid there is a 50/50 chance that when the Ferritin does come down, I will feel no better and have to look elsewhere for that elusive smoking gun that is a lab value WAY over the top.

Radical Options:
This is assuming that IP-6 is not tolerated even occasionally and I need a methylation product that contains Lactoferrin.  Given that scenario, I don't see a pathway to reduce Ferritin with supplements.

Liver flush- This is the same epsom salt, olive oil and grapefruit juice cleanse that was successful back in 2014.  It did remove copper, which had been stuck in my liver but I'm unsure of its effect on Iron and Ferritin.  If it does release Ferritin, then assuming that my number is still high, it will flood the serum and tissues with Iron and I'll end up back on Curcumin temporarily to reduce the serum Iron.  It's also possible that it won't affect Ferritin at all in which case, I have to go more radical.

Blood donation- Last resort as I've said.  It will lower Ferritin but it will also lower other critical minerals.

Somehow some way, I WILL get the Ferritin down below 100 but again, I am not sure that I will feel better when I do.

If I don't feel better, I will make a brief attempt to find the smoking gun through another Coach or Functional MD.  If that doesn't work then I'm afraid I'm screwed.  I suppose it's possible that a 6-8 week period of inactivity could hit the reset button and allow for a gradual comeback but that also seems unlikely.

I definitely need another HTMA (hair test) through ARL to see if my oxidation rate has moved closer to balance.  Also, I want to try the Genova Comprehensive Profile to get a number in writing for sulfates.

Mercedes is looking doubtful.
NYC is still a GO.
After that, who knows?