Causes and Cures for Iron Deficiency (IV Iron Infusions)

Maybe you’re feeling exhausted no matter how much you sleep. Or maybe you’re finding yourself out of breath after climbing a single flight of stairs? These symptoms are easy to brush off as the effects of stress or being out of shape, but they could actually point to iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency affects an estimated two billion people worldwide, and left untreated, it can progress to iron-deficiency anemia.

Fortunately, our team of primary care providers at Maniya Health can help diagnose and treat iron deficiency. While some people may benefit from dietary changes or supplements, others may do better with intravenous (IV) iron infusions. 

Before you can treat iron deficiency, you first need to understand why your body needs iron, what's causing your deficiency, and which treatment option is most likely to restore healthy iron levels.

Why is iron so important?

Think of iron as one of your body's hardest-working nutrients. According to the American Red Cross, nearly 70% of the iron in your body is found in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein that allows red blood cells to deliver oxygen to every organ and tissue in your body. 

About one-quarter of your body’s iron is stored as ferritin. This acts as a reserve that your body can draw upon when your iron levels begin to dip. 

Here’s the problem: When your iron levels fall out of balance, nearly every system in your body can feel the effects. Without enough iron, your tissues and organs receive less oxygen, which can leave you feeling fatigued, weak, and short of breath. Iron is also required for every neuron (brain cell) to function, and iron deficiency is linked to restless leg syndrome (RLS) and depression. 

What causes iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency can happen for several reasons.

Blood loss

Blood loss is a common cause of iron deficiency. You may experience increased blood loss due to:

• Heavy menstrual periods, especially if you have fibroids 
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Frequent blood donation
• Surgery or injury

If you suspect that you have ongoing blood loss, such as from heavy periods, don’t brush it off. It’s more than just an annoyance. 

Not getting enough iron

Some people simply don't consume enough iron-rich foods. This may occur with restrictive diets or diets that contain limited sources of absorbable iron (such as certain vegetarian and vegan diets). 

Difficulty absorbing iron

Even if you're eating enough iron, your body may not absorb it efficiently.

Certain digestive conditions, including celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or previous weight-loss surgery, can interfere with iron absorption.

Increased iron needs

Some stages of life increase your body’s iron requirements, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and periods of rapid growth. Endurance athletics may also have increased iron needs.

That said, more iron isn't always better. Taking iron supplements when you don’t need them can lead to iron overload, which may damage organs such as your liver and heart. That’s why you should only take iron supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider after confirming you have an iron deficiency.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency, and how do you diagnose it?

You might suspect that you have an iron deficiency if you spot:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression
• Restless leg syndrome
• Cravings for ice, dirt, or starch (pica)

If you experience any of these symptoms, share them with your Maniya Health provider, even if you don’t think they’re related to iron.  

We may order labs to check your complete blood count (CBC), ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation.

How is iron deficiency treated?

We may recommend: 

Eating more iron-rich foods

Many people benefit from increasing foods such as lean red meat, poultry, seafood, beans and lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. 

Pro tip: Eating vitamin C-rich foods alongside plant-based iron sources may help improve absorption.

Oral iron supplements

Iron tablets are often the first treatment recommended. However, some people experience side effects such as constipation, nausea, stomach upset, or difficulty tolerating oral supplements.

Others may not absorb oral iron effectively.

IV iron infusions

Rather than relying on the digestive tract, iron is delivered directly into your bloodstream, which allows your body to replenish its iron stores more efficiently.

Your Maniya Health provider may recommend IV iron, which we perform on-site, if you:

• Have severe iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia
• Can’t tolerate oral iron supplements
• Don’t absorb iron well because of a gastrointestinal condition
• Need to restore iron levels more quickly
• Continue to have low iron despite taking supplements

In some cases, you may benefit from IV iron infusions and dietary modifications. 

Don't ignore persistent fatigue

Feeling tired isn't always “just getting older” or the result of a hectic schedule. Schedule your appointment in  Hamilton, Robbinsville, or Hopewell, New Jersey, so we can test your iron and get you feeling like yourself again.