Iron infusions can seem like a quick fix to an iron deficiency problem but not only are iron infusions expensive, they are time-consuming and can have side effects. Do you have single digit ferritin levels? Has your doctor recommended iron infusions as a way to improve your ferritin levels? I used to give iron infusions […]
What is the difference between iron deficiency without anemia and iron deficiency with anemia? Iron deficiency is when you do not have enough iron. This is best demonstrated via a blood ferritin test. Ferritin is the storage depot for iron. A ferritin below 30 is generally considered iron deficiency. Most people will feel their best with […]
Having witnessed my wife birth 6 children there is no doubt that the pregnancy and birthing process is a complete miracle. That said, there are many things we have learned and experienced that can make pregnancy and the months following birth much more enjoyable. In the United States, 1 in 5 pregnant women develop iron deficiency […]
Patients are often recommended iron infusions because they cannot tolerate oral iron due to side effects, extremely low iron levels or in an emergency from acute blood loss. In my own clinic, I used to utilize iron infusions to help patients with anemia or low ferritin get over the top with their low iron. Iron […]
When it comes to nutrient absorption, consuming more is not always better. This is surely the case with iron dosing. Even for those who are iron deficient, taking too much iron can actually make the problem even worse. In fact, you can suppress your body’s ability to take up and store iron by taking too much, […]
This question comes up all the time. Patients are baffled when their serum iron levels come back elevated and their ferritin levels come back low even though they have all of the symptoms of iron depletion. What’s going on? Often doctors or even patients who see this think ‘oh no we better stop taking iron support’ […]
The most reliable method of assessing iron deficiency is with a blood test to check serum ferritin status. Many people on social media are suggesting that if you rub a gold ring on your skin and a black mark appears that you are anemic and should get your blood levels checked. Though it is safe […]
Iron deficiency in pregnancy can be a serious burden on the mother and the baby. When you get your iron results back and are told you are iron deficient most doctors will immediately prescribe Ferrous sulfate 325mg (65mg elemental iron) and have you dose it 2-3x per day. The problem with ferrous sulfate is that […]
You get your blood work back and are told you are iron deficient. You have no energy, can’t focus, can’t remember things, have headaches, weakness, easy bruising and all you need is to get your iron stores up to remedy your situation. Your doctor recommends ferrous sulfate or you go out on your own […]
If your iron supplement doesn’t start working in 30 days or less you may be facing an iron deficiency: One of the common causes of iron deficiency is heavy bleeding during your period. Starting in your pre-teen years and continuing on through mid-life, month after month of losing blood via menstruation and not adequately refurbishing […]
