Patient Guide
Low Iron Explained
Signs, how to top it up, and when an infusion helps
1 in 5women of reproductive age have low iron
Commonestnutritional deficiency worldwide
Ferritinthe blood test that finds it
Signs of low iron
Tiredness & weakness
Low energy that doesn't lift with rest or sleep.
Breathless / racing heart
Getting puffed or noticing your heart pounding with normal activity.
Pale skin & dizziness
Looking pale, and feeling light-headed, especially standing up.
Brain fog & poor focus
Trouble concentrating, slower thinking, or feeling mentally flat.
Hair, nails & skin
Hair shedding, brittle nails, or dry skin.
Restless legs & cravings
Restless legs at night, or unusual cravings (pica) such as ice or dirt.
Normal blood count — but still low iron? Your full blood count can look normal while your iron stores are already running low — that's why we check ferritin specifically. Common causes include heavy periods, a diet low in iron, pregnancy, or a gut condition affecting absorption.
Topping Up Your Iron
Best absorbed
Animal sources — red meat, chicken, fish and eggs — contain haem iron, which your body absorbs most easily.
Plant sources
Lentils, beans, tofu, leafy greens, fortified cereals, nuts and dried apricots all contribute iron too.
Boost absorption
Vitamin C — citrus, capsicum, tomato — taken with a meal helps your body absorb more iron from it.
Keep these apart
Tea, coffee, milk, calcium and antacids all reduce iron absorption — space them away from iron-rich meals or tablets.
Getting the most from iron tablets
Take them well
- Every-other-day dosing is often recommended — it can absorb better and suit your stomach
- Swallow with water and, where possible, vitamin C — not tea, coffee or milk
- Continue for about 3 months after your levels recover, to rebuild stores
- Black or dark stools are an expected, harmless side effect
Possible side effects
- Constipation, nausea, cramping or diarrhoea are common
- A metallic taste can occur
- Don't just stop if tablets upset your stomach — ask about alternate-day dosing or a gentler formulation
Will food alone fix it? Not usually — food alone can't correct an established deficiency quickly. Iron-rich eating supports your levels, but tablets (or occasionally an infusion) are usually needed to rebuild stores once they're low.
Iron Infusions
When an infusion is offered
Tablets don't suit you
Side effects make tablets too hard to tolerate.
Tablets aren't working
Levels stay low despite taking them correctly.
Iron needed sooner
Very low stores, ongoing blood loss, before surgery, or late in pregnancy.
Absorption is the problem
Coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or previous bariatric surgery.
What happens on the day
1
Check & consent
We confirm the plan and answer any questions
2
Cannula in
A small drip is placed in your arm
3
The drip
Iron in saline, given over about 15–30 minutes
4
We watch over you
Monitored for around 30 minutes after
Usually mild & temporary
- Headache, nausea or dizziness
- A metallic taste
- A flu-like feeling for 1–2 days
- A temporary dip in blood phosphate, with bone or muscle aches
Tell staff straight away if you notice
- Stinging, pain or swelling at the drip site (leaking can leave a brown stain on the skin)
- Flushing, chest tightness or trouble breathing
- Rash, itching, or swelling of lips or face
- A serious allergic reaction is very rare, but staff are trained to manage it
Low iron is fixable
Food, tablets or an infusion — whichever suits your situation, we'll get your levels back up and your energy with them.
— Dr Regu
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