Welcome to IronDeficiency.com

You might be more than just tired.

What Is Iron Deficiency?

Iron is an essential nutrient for your body, which you get from your food. It is needed for your mental and physical health and to keep your energy levels up. Sometimes your body’s demand for iron can outstrip supply, and this can lead to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency causes many symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing symptoms it is important that you talk to your doctor so that they can investigate what is causing them. If tests show that your iron levels are low, your doctor may recommend iron therapy.

For more information about how iron deficiency arises, its symptoms, and possible treatment options, click on the patient information links.

Am I at risk?

Iron deficiency is associated with many serious conditions

Are you worried that you might be at risk of iron deficiency? People of all ages can become iron deficient, but there are certain long-term conditions and lifestyle choices that make iron deficiency more likely. These include conditions that may cause blood loss, affect how well you absorb iron from your food, limit your intake of iron rich foods, or increase the amount of iron that your body needs.

Click on the icons below for further information about each condition, how it can affect your iron levels, the symptoms that can be caused, and how your doctor can help. Clicking on the inflammatory bowel disease icon will take you to the area of the website that can provide detailed information for Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients.

Iron is Important in Women's Health

Iron is an important nutrient for keeping you healthy. Iron is needed to carry oxygen in your blood around your body, to give you energy and help you concentrate. It also helps keep your immune system healthy, allowing you to fight off infections. Low iron levels can lead to Iron deficiency which puts you at risk of a condition known as iron deficiency anaemia, where the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is reduced.

As a woman there are times when you are more at risk of not having enough iron (during periods) or when you might need extra iron, such as during pregnancy and after giving birth. You may also need to think about the iron levels of your children at certain times, especially during growth spurts and when your daughter starts her periods. So, whatever stage of life you are in, iron should be an important part of it.