Why do you need iron?

Iron is essential for maintaining proper mental and physical health, acting as the cornerstone of your body’s ability to thrive.

It supports a healthy immune system, helps the body to fight diseases and infections, contributes to better concentration, improves energy levels and muscle strength.

Iron is a central component of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. We need iron to produce enough healthy red blood cells to support overall health.

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What happens if you do not have enough iron?

When your body's iron level is too low, you develop a condition called iron deficiency, the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. Iron deficiency means you produce fewer healthy red blood cells which lowers the levels of haemoglobin in the blood. When the levels of haemoglobin drop too low, you develop Iron Deficiency Anemia.

While related, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are distinct conditions. They both arise from the root cause of low iron levels in the blood and result in several physiological and psychological health issues. Symptoms include:

• fatigue
• lack of energy
• pale skin
• brittle nails
• hair thinning and hair loss
• heart palpitations
• dizziness
• cold intolerance

If not treated, symptoms worsen and can lead to long term health consequences like:

• brain fog
• depression
• a weakened immune system
• restless legs
• heart problems
• reduced libido
• mouth sores
• pregnancy complications

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Who is at risk of low iron?

Adolescent girls and women with heavy periods (menorrhagia) due to regular and heavy blood loss. It is important to maintain sufficient iron levels to avoid excessive fatigue, irritability, and brain fog during menstruation.

Pregnant women require additional iron to support the growth and development of the fetus as well as support their health and well-being. Insufficient iron during pregnancy, risks maternal illness, premature births, and low birth weight.

Iron deficiency is also commonly seen in individuals with gastric conditions or gastrointestinal diseases, heart patients, cancer treatment, vegetarians and vegans, the elderly population, and those undergoing surgery.

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How are Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia diagnosed?

An Iron Panel is a group of blood tests used to evaluate iron levels in the body. The Iron Panel blood test typically includes:

‍Serum Iron: the amount of iron in the body.

Transferrin Saturation: the measure of the protein Transferrin, which transports iron through the blood to various tissues.

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): the measure of how well iron binds to transferrin.

Ferritin blood test: measures how much iron is stored in the body.

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The level of haemoglobin (Hb) helps to diagnose anemia:

[Hb] < 120g/L women

[Hb] < 130g/L men

In Iron Deficiency, even before Iron Deficiency Anemia, your blood test will show a low MCV (mean corpuscular volume), meaning your average red blood cell is smaller than normal. With a low Hb, your blood test will also show a low MCH (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin).

The Interface Iron Clinic offers blood tests, please contact the clinic to enquire.

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What is an intravenous iron infusion?

Intravenous means ‘into the vein’. An intravenous iron infusion is the administration of iron directly into the vein, where it is then delivered into the body directly through the blood. Intravenous iron rapid replaces deficient iron stores, helping you to feel better and more energised within days of treatment.

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How do I know if I need an intravenous iron infusion?

If your symptoms and blood tests show that you have low iron, are iron deficient, or have iron deficiency anemia, the first and simplest step is to increase iron levels through your diet. This includes eating more leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, legumes like lentils, beans, and chickpeas, wholegrain foods, nuts and seeds, and fortified cereals and grains.

If such dietary changes are insufficient, the next step is to try oral supplements which can be prescribed by your GP. These come in various forms: ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous malate. Individuals may experience unresponsiveness, intolerance, or ineffectiveness to oral iron supplementation and dietary adjustments which is when you may consider intravenous iron infusion.

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What does the treatment involve?

The treatment involves a slow infusion of iron into the vein via a thin tube called a cannula. Before treatment, you will consult with a specialist where your recent blood tests and medical history will be reviewed. You will need a blood test completed before your consultation and this must be up-t0-date within the last three months.

Following your infusion, you can consult with one of the Interface Iron Clinic Nutritionists who will provide tailored, specific advice on how to sustain healthy iron levels through personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and guidance on enhancing overall well-being specific to your needs.

This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive the necessary support to manage their iron levels effectively post-infusion.

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