Do you often feel persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, or difficulty concentrating? These may be signs of iron deficiency, a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide.


Do not worry! With proper diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency, you can restore your energy and significantly improve your quality of life.


Steps to treat iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is treated through a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, the use of iron supplements, and addressing the underlying causes of the deficiency: (1)


1. Identify and Treat the Cause

The first step in treating iron deficiency is to identify and address the underlying cause. Common causes of iron deficiency include: (1)


  • Dietary Iron Deficiency: Focus on a diet rich in iron from both animal and plant sources.
  • Blood loss: Treating any cases of chronic bleeding, such as heavy menstruation, stomach ulcers, or hemorrhoids.
  • Malabsorption: By treating medical conditions that affect iron absorption, such as gluten sensitivity or celiac disease (wheat allergy).


2- Adjusting Your Diet

In cases of mild deficiency, dietary changes can significantly improve your iron intake, although they are often recommended alongside supplements. (2)

  • Iron-rich foods:
  • Red meat, poultry and fish.
  • Dark green leafy vegetables.
  • Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
  • Iron-fortified cereals.
  • Dried fruits and nuts.


  • Enhance iron absorption: Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, with iron-rich foods to increase iron absorption. (2)


3- Iron supplements

Iron supplements are often recommended when dietary adjustments alone are insufficient. These supplements are available in the following forms: (2)(3)


  • Oral supplements:Available in the form of tablets, capsules or syrup.
  • They are the most common form of iron supplements.
  • Relatively cheap.
  •  May cause some digestive side effects such as constipation or nausea.
  • These supplements usually take 6 months or more to fully replenish the body's iron stores.


  • Intravenous iron injection:
  • Used in cases of severe iron deficiency, or when oral supplements are ineffective or cause uncomfortable side effects.
  • May cause some side effects such as allergic reactions or hypotension.
  • Fast onset.
  • The duration of treatment with iron injections depends on the type of iron injection and the severity of the deficiency. For some types of iron injections, only one or two injections may be sufficient for one time, while in others you may need one or two injections every week over the course of several weeks.





Your doctor will determine the appropriate type and dosage of iron based on the severity of your deficiency and your needs. Schedule your appointment today at Al-Ahli Hospital and receive comprehensive medical care.




Note: In some severe cases of iron deficiency, where blood levels drop below 7-8 g/dL, a blood transfusion may be necessary. (6)


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to take iron supplements?

Take iron supplements on an empty stomach to improve absorption. If they cause stomach upset, you can take them with food, but avoid consuming them with calcium-rich foods, coffee, tea, or antacids, as these may hinder absorption. (3)


What are the side effects of iron supplements?

With Iron tablets some side effects may appear in some people, such as: (7)

  • Constipation (6%).
  • Unpleasant metallic taste (6%).
  • Nausea (4%) and vomiting (2%).
  • Heartburn (4%).
  • Diarrhea (2%).
  • Less common: stomach pain, and black stool, which is a normal and harmless side effect.


But:

These symptoms are usually mild and disappear with time.


The doctor may suggest some solutions to reduce these symptoms, such as: (7)

  • Take the pills with food.
  • Reduce the dose.
  • Try a different type of iron supplement.


As for iron injections:

Possible side effects include: (7)

  • hypotension.
  • Joint pain.
  • Headache.
  • Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Less common: nausea, vomiting, skin rash, diarrhea.


What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?

The symptoms of iron deficiency are diverse, vary in severity from one individual to another, and may remain undetected until the deficiency has reached a significant level. The symptoms of iron deficiency can include: (5)

  • Fatigue and lack of energy.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Pale skin.
  • Headache.
  • Cold extremities.
  • Hair loss.
  • Poor concentration and difficulty remembering.


References