Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. This reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and may lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
2. What causes iron deficiency?
Common causes include low dietary iron intake, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, blood loss from the stomach or bowel, poor iron absorption, and increased iron needs during growth or illness.
3. What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, reduced exercise tolerance, hair thinning, brittle nails, and cold hands or feet. Some people develop cravings for non-food items.
4. How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
Iron deficiency is diagnosed with blood tests, including ferritin (iron stores) and sometimes haemoglobin levels to assess for anaemia.
5. How is iron deficiency treated?
Treatment depends on severity and cause. Many people are treated with oral iron supplements and correction of the underlying cause.
If iron levels are very low, symptoms are significant, oral iron is not tolerated, or absorption is poor, iron infusion (intravenous iron) may be recommended. Iron infusion delivers iron directly into the bloodstream and restores iron levels more rapidly under medical supervision.
6. How should iron supplements be taken?
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but can be taken with food if it causes stomach upset. Vitamin C improves absorption, while tea, coffee, and calcium can reduce absorption.
7. What are the side effects of iron treatment?
Oral iron may cause nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, and dark stools. Iron infusion may cause temporary headache, nausea, muscle aches, or rarely allergic reactions.
8. How long does treatment take?
Symptoms often improve within weeks, but iron treatment usually continues for several months to fully replenish iron stores, even after blood levels normalise.
9. Who needs further investigation?
Men, postmenopausal women, and people with recurrent or unexplained iron deficiency may need further assessment to look for ongoing blood loss or absorption problems.
10. When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have symptoms of iron deficiency, poor response to treatment, worsening fatigue, or concerns about ongoing blood loss or anaemia.
