June 20, 2025

Iron Deficiency: The Hidden Drain on Your Energy

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world and yet, it’s often missed or mistaken for something else. Feeling low on energy? Struggling to focus? Breathless doing simple tasks? Iron might be playing a bigger role than you think.

Why Does Iron Matter?

Iron helps your body carry oxygen through the blood, support brain function, regulate energy, and maintain a strong immune system. It’s essential for growing kids and teens, and just as important for adults - especially women, athletes, and people with chronic health conditions.

You Don’t Have to Be Anaemic to Feel It

Many people assume iron deficiency only matters if you're anaemic. But you can feel the effects long before your blood count drops. In fact, symptoms like fatigue, low exercise tolerance, mood changes, or even restless legs can occur when ferritin (your iron storage marker) is under 50 - even though many labs only flag “deficiency” under 15.

Who’s at Risk?

Some of the most at-risk groups include:

  • Women with heavy periods, especially if they also follow a vegetarian diet or avoid red meat.
  • Teenagers, due to growth spurts and changing diets.
  • Endurance athletes, who lose iron through sweat and impact.
  • People with gut issues like coeliac disease, reflux, or IBD.
  • Pregnant women, who need extra iron for the baby and placenta.
  • Frequent blood donors.
  • And yes, men too, especially those with low energy, ongoing fatigue, or gut absorption issues.
Why Blood Tests Can Be Tricky?

Standard blood tests may not tell the full story. If you have inflammation or are already taking iron supplements, results like ferritin can be falsely high. This is why it’s important to interpret your results in context, not just rely on the lab’s “normal” range.

What Can You Do?

Iron can be topped up in a few ways: through diet, supplements, or intravenous (IV) iron. We often start with lifestyle and oral support, but IV iron may be recommended if absorption is poor, periods are heavy, or symptoms are severe. IV iron can be safely administered in the clinic and for many people, it’s a game-changer.

Not sure if iron could be behind your symptoms? Let’s check.

Book a consult with Dr. Laura, she can recommend a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs, whether that’s blood work, food-based support, or IV iron options at the clinic.

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