Feeling tired, sluggish or short of breath? It could be a result of iron deficiency anaemia. Here’s everything you need to know about the signs, symptoms & solutions of low iron levels & iron deficiency anaemia
Found in food such as meat and green, leafy vegetables, iron plays a key role in helping to keep our bodies healthy. Low iron levels can affect the red blood cells, which are important for carrying oxygen around the body to organs and tissues.
What is iron deficiency anaemia?
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells.
Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood. If you have fewer red blood cells than is normal, your organs and tissues won't get as much oxygen as they usually would.
This most commonly happens as a result of blood loss or pregnancy, although it could also be related to diet or an underlying health issue.
If your diet is partly causing your iron deficiency anaemia, your GP will tell you what foods are rich in iron so you can eat more of them, alongside taking iron tablets which your doctor can prescribe.
What are the signs & symptoms of anaemia?
The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include:
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Pale skin
Other less common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include:
• Headaches
• Tinnitus (hearing ringing, buzzing or hissing noises)
• Itchiness
• Food tasting different or strange
• A sore tongue
• Losing more hair than usual when brushing or washing it
• Craving non-food items like paper or ice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Mouth ulcers
• Restless legs syndrome
Speak to your GP if you have symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.
What causes iron deficiency anaemia?
Having a healthy, balanced diet which includes iron rich foods should help you get the right amount of iron, but if you’re struggling to include these foods you could consider taking an iron supplement or multivitamin which includes iron.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to low iron levels and anaemia. In pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is often caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Pregnant women could consider taking a daily supplement specifically designed for pregnancy, such as Pregnacare*. If you’re pregnant and experiencing any of the symptoms of anaemia, speak to your midwife or GP.
Women and girls who have heavy periods may also be at greater risk of iron deficiency anaemia, so it may also help to take a supplement such as Active Iron for Women*, which is suitable for ages 12 and over.
If blood loss is affecting your iron levels, your GP may prescribe medicine to help with heavy periods as well as iron tablets to help with iron levels.
You may also be at risk of iron deficiency anaemia if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, as meat is a key source of iron. Consider taking an iron supplement such as Spatone Daily Iron Shots* or Boots Max Strength Gentle Iron* capsules, which are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and speak to your GP if you’re experiencing symptoms of anaemia.
Which foods are rich in iron?
If you have iron deficiency anaemia you’ll need medication from your GP. However, you can also help improve your iron levels at home, by including plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet, such as:
• Dark green, leafy vegetables such as curly kale
• Cereals and bread that are fortified with extra iron (check the packaging for information on this)
• Meat
• Dried fruit such as apricots, prunes and raisins
• Pulses like beans, peas and lentils
It may also help to avoid the following foods and drinks, which can make it difficult for your body to absorb iron:
• Tea
• Coffee
• Wholegrain cereals (unlike fortified cereals, wholegrain cereals contain high levels of phytic acid which makes it harder for your body to absorb iron from other foods and pills)
Can I get tested for anaemia?
If you think you may have iron deficiency anaemia you should speak to your GP, who’ll arrange tests and appropriate treatment.
Your GP will usually carry out a blood test to check your red blood cell count. A low red blood cell count may indicate iron deficiency anaemia, and your GP will prescribe iron tablets if this is the case.* Top tip: drinking a glass of orange juice with or after your iron tablets may help your body absorb the iron due to the presence of vitamin C in the orange juice.
An at-home test like MyHealthChecked Iron Deficiency (Ferritin) Rapid Test can give you more information on your personal iron levels. The quick and easy finger prick lateral flow test takes a blood sample to give an indication of your iron levels in as little as 10 minutes. This means you can take the appropriate next steps, like speaking to your GP, if your results indicate low iron levels.
If left untreated, anaemia can cause complications such as greater risk of illness and infection, so it’s important to speak to your GP if you think you may have iron deficiency anaemia. The good news is, it’s relatively easy to test and treat, so you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.
*Iron tablets can be seriously harmful to young children, so always make sure you store them safely out of reach.
