Many of us have experienced it: constant fatigue, lack of energy, feeling cold, difficulty concentrating, and brittle hair and nails. Often, we accept these symptoms as normal. In many cases they are harmless—but sometimes they may point to an iron deficiency.
You can't diagnose iron deficiency on your own. The only reliable method is a blood test at the doctor’s office. Here, your ferritin level is checked. If it's below 15 µg/dl, iron deficiency is typically diagnosed.
Ferritin is a protein that binds iron in the body and reflects the status of your iron stores.
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, the following may also be signs of low iron—depending on the severity:
Once diagnosed, the underlying cause of the deficiency should be identified. There are many over-the-counter iron supplements available—please only take them after consulting with your doctor.
Nutrition also plays a major role. Vegetarians and vegans, in particular, may be more prone to deficiency. Besides red meat, eggs, and herring, good plant-based iron sources include beets, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
If iron levels are very low, an infusion with new, highly tolerable iron formulations may be necessary and beneficial.
February 10, 2022