Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally, affecting ~1 in 3 women (consistently shown in global and local data). Unfortunately, it is usually only detected when patients develop anaemia which often occurs a few years later. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, poor immune function (i.e. more prone to common cold/flu), cold intolerance and much more. Difference between iron deficiency and anaemia Iron deficiency and anae

Treatment of iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, through inravenous (IV) iron is recommended if oral iron is not effective or prompt correction of iron deficiency is needed. The latest generations of IV iron (such as iron carboxymaltose or iron isomaltoside), are effective forms of treatment of iron deficiency and usually improve symptoms in less than a week. Although the risk of serious adverse side effects is low, IV iron should be administered in a monitored setting

Traditionally, oral iron is usually prescribed as a first line treatment of iron deficiency with or without anaemia. In order to achieve the best absorption rates of oral iron with the lowest rates of side effects, it is recommended to take tablets on alternate days on an empty stomach and without any other medications. Unfortunately, most oral iron supplements will have their absorption impaired by food - tea can even further impair absorption by up to 90%. Oral iron is ofte

Iron deficiency can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Serum ferritin is a marker of the iron stores in the body. When the blood concentration falls below 30ng/mL, the body no longer has enough iron and a patient is probably experiencing many of the symptoms of iron deficiency. Serum ferritin between 30-100ng/mL indicates low iron stores. Only with serum ferritin levels above 100ng/mL can we be sure that we have enough iron in our body. Serum iron, which sounds like it wo