🩸 Understanding Iron Deficiency & Anaemia

Everything you need to know in one place

30% of women worldwide are anaemic and almost 40% of children are anaemic.  Iron deficiency and anaemia affects millions of people—but it often goes undiagnosed or is misunderstood. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, supporting a loved one, or simply curious, here’s what you need to know.

âś… What is Anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently. This leads to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that can significantly affect your quality of life.

âś… What is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron is essential for making haemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

đź“Ś You can be iron deficient without being anaemic, which is why proper testing is so important.

đź©ş What Do Your Blood Results Mean?

To assess iron status, your healthcare provider may order:

🔹 Haemoglobin (Hb)

Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. Low Hb = anaemia.

🔹 Full Iron Studies

These give a complete picture of your iron levels and stores:

  • Ferritin: Measures iron storage in your body
  • Serum Iron: Iron currently circulating in the blood
  • Transferrin Saturation: How much iron is being carried

 

  • TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity): Measures the blood’s ability to carry iron

đźš© Symptoms of Iron Deficiency / Anaemia

Many symptoms are subtle or mistaken for other issues. Be aware of:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Brain fog or poor concentration
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Pale skin or inner eyelids
  • Restless legs
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Hair loss or brittle nails
  • Mouth ulcers or cracks
  • Low mood or irritability
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Craving non food substances like sand or paper (Pica)
  • Craving Ice / eating large quantities of ice (a type of Pica called Pagophagia)

If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, it’s worth asking your doctor to check your haemoglobin and iron levels.

🧠 Managing Iron Deficiency

Treatment depends on how low your iron is and the cause. Here’s how iron deficiency is typically managed:

🥩 Diet: Haem vs Non-Haem Iron

  • Haem iron (easily absorbed): Red meat, liver, chicken, fish
  • Non-haem iron (plant-based): Spinach, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals

đź’ˇ Tip: Pair iron-rich foods with Vitamin C (like citrus or tomatoes) to enhance absorption.

Also ensure that your Vit B12 levels are good as this helps iron to be absorbed from your gut.

 

đź’Š Oral Iron

Iron tablets or liquids are often prescribed. They’re effective, but can sometimes cause side effects like nausea or constipation.

Avoid taking the following for an hour before or after your iron:

  • Tea or coffee
  • Dairy
  • Calcium supplements
  • Certain medications such as antacids or H2 receptor blockers

Oral iron should only be taken for 6 weeks and your levels should be rechecked after that time – if there is no improvement then you may need to switch to intravenous iron.  If there is some improvement continue for a further 6 weeks and recheck.

Remember if rechecking bloods after taking oral iron – stop you iron for 4 days before your blood test and do the bloods fasting – this gives you a much more accurate level.

Please always chat to your doctor before starting on oral iron supplementation.

đź’‰ Intravenous (IV) Iron

IV iron may be needed when:

  • Oral iron isn’t tolerated
  • Levels are very low or need to be corrected quickly
  • There’s chronic blood loss or poor absorption
  • The is an inadequate response to oral iron
  • In the setting of renal disease or autoimmune diseases

At Cape Town Infusion Centre, IV iron is dosed according to your weight, blood results, and iron requirement. Every treatment is customised to the individual for maximum effectiveness and safety.

🔄 Follow-Up is Key

Correcting iron levels is only step one. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure they stay in the healthy range.

✔️ Recheck iron levels 4–6 weeks after treatment
✔️ Continue monitoring every 3 months for the first year
✔️ Work with your doctor to identify and treat the root cause of your deficiency—not just the symptoms

đź“Ť Need Help or Support?

At Cape Town Infusion Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and treating iron deficiency with compassion and clinical excellence. Whether you need advice, a referral, or an iron infusion, we’re here to help.

đź’¬ Get in touch today or speak to your doctor about a referral.
Your energy, clarity, and well-being are worth it. đź’™

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🩸 Understanding Iron Deficiency