Iron deficiency and anemia: Why are you always tired?
Did you know that the World Health Organization considers iron-deficiency anemia the most widespread nutritional disorder in the world, affecting approximately 25% of the population? 1
You may be suffering from anemia and not even know it. Do you wake up feeling tired or physically weak, or experience headaches, dizziness, or irritability?
While some of these symptoms can be due to overwork or overstimulation in our modern world, if they become chronic, you may be experiencing iron deficiency or anemia.
Additional symptoms include the following:
- Decreased endurance
- Low blood pressure
- Pale lips and eyelids
- Loss of libido
- Cold extremities
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms appear when there isn’t enough iron to produce hemoglobin, which is needed to carry oxygen to major organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. When iron deficiency progresses to a certain point, it becomes anemia.
Anemia is more common in women (both young and older), during pregnancy, and in children under 5. Symptoms can be even more pronounced in children and impede their growth and development.4
Common risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia
Anemia has three common causes: blood loss (e.g. heavy periods), increased red blood cell destruction, and most commonly, iron deficiency.2
Other risk factors include the following:
- Major surgery or physical trauma
- Gastrointestinal diseases, including Celiac disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn’s disease
- Gastric bypass operations
- Vegetarian or vegan diet3
Best ways to determine iron deficiency
Iron deficiency and anemia can be assessed through blood tests and physical examinations.
A complete blood count (CBC) can help your doctor determine if your red blood cell count is low. This common blood test measures levels of hematocrit, serum ferritin, and iron in the blood.5
During a physical exam, your doctor may look for signs such as pale skin, a fast heartbeat, or unusual breathing.5
Common food sources of iron
Prevent anemia by supplementing with iron or increasing dietary sources. Dietary iron comes in two forms: heme and non-heme. Heme iron, found in animal products, is more easily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron, found in foods like eggs, plants, and whole grains, is not as easily absorbed. Both types of iron can be paired with foods high in vitamin C to improve iron absorption.6
Animal (heme) sources of iron include:
- red meat
- poultry
- fish
- eggs
Vegetarian and vegan (non-heme) sources include:
- legumes
- lentils
- tofu
- whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain bread
- certain vegetables like spinach and beets
- blackstrap molasses
Foods rich in Vitamin C that increase iron absorption:
- bell peppers
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- oranges
Consuming 600–1200 mg of Vitamin C with iron-rich foods can significantly improve iron absorption.8
Iron supplementation
The fastest route to reverse iron-deficiency anemia is supplementation. An effective option is Ferrochel® (ferrous bisglycinate), a patented chelated iron that is twice as bioavailable as traditional iron supplements and is associated with fewer side effects. Therefore, lower doses may be sufficient to reverse iron-deficiency anemia.7
Common side effects of iron supplementation include constipation, cramping, and upset stomach. Certain iron supplements can also negatively interact with other supplements and medications. So, it is essential to work with your healthcare practitioner to find a safe and effective iron supplement.
Daily iron requirements
The US National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake of 7–27 mg of elemental iron, depending on factors such as age and pregnancy.8 If you are looking to reverse iron deficiency or anemia, an intake of 100–200 mg per day may be needed. In cases of moderate to severe anemia, a complete blood count after 4 weeks of supplementation should show an increase of 10–20 g/L in hemoglobin. Treatment typically concludes within 2–4 months but can extend up to 6 months.8
Regular checks every 3–6 months are essential to ensure the normalization of hemoglobin levels.8
Health First® Iron Supreme with patented Ferrochel® offers a non-constipating and easy-to-absorb form of chelated iron that helps support red blood cell formation and function. Because Ferrochel® is not affected by dietary factors that can interfere with iron absorption, it is an effective way to treat anemia. Iron Supreme is also formulated with vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other key vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to help prevent and treat anemia.
For lasting improvement, supplements should always be paired with lifestyle and dietary changes.