Iron IV Infusion

Iron Deficiency and Iron Infusion: What You Need to Know

Iron deficiency is a common condition that occurs when your body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body and maintaining overall health. If left untreated, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can significantly affect your daily life and energy levels. Below is an overview of what iron does in the body, signs of iron deficiency, who might need an iron infusion, and how intravenous (IV) iron therapy can help.

What Does Iron Do in the Body?

Iron plays a vital role in maintaining various functions within the body:

• Oxygen Transport: Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the red pigment in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Without sufficient iron, your body struggles to deliver enough oxygen, resulting in fatigue and other symptoms.
• Energy Production: Iron is also key to enzymes in your muscles that help generate energy. It enables the body to produce energy from food, especially during physical activity.
• Brain Function: Iron supports brain function, and its deficiency can lead to poor concentration, mental fog, and mood changes such as anxiety.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue, tiredness, and exhaustion
• Difficulty sleeping
• Poor concentration or brain fog
• Anxiety or feelings of sadness (which can be mistaken for depression)
• Restless legs or leg cramps
• Poor hair quality and increased hair shedding
• Craving non-food items such as ice, paper, or soil (a condition known as pica)

Why Do I Need an Iron Infusion?

Iron infusions are often recommended for individuals who have not seen improvement from dietary changes or iron tablets. Here are some reasons why you might need an iron infusion:

• Severe Deficiency: If you are suffering from significant iron deficiency and have symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and pale skin, an iron infusion may be needed to quickly replenish your iron levels.
• Ineffective Iron Tablets: Some people experience side effects from iron tablets, such as stomach pain or constipation, and may be unable to tolerate them. Additionally, it can take weeks or months for iron supplements to restore normal levels, making an infusion a faster alternative.
• Hair Loss or Poor Hair Quality: Iron deficiency can lead to poor hair quality and increased hair shedding. An iron infusion can help restore iron levels more quickly and improve hair health.
• Pregnancy or Heavy Periods: Pregnant women or individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding may require iron infusions to meet the increased demand for iron during these periods.

How is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?

Iron deficiency is diagnosed through blood tests that measure two proteins:

• Ferritin: This protein stores iron in the body, particularly in the liver. Low ferritin levels indicate low iron stores.
• Transferrin Saturation: Transferrin carries iron from storage to the bone marrow for red blood cell production. In iron deficiency, transferrin becomes “empty,” leading to low transferrin saturation.

Iron Deficiency and Anaemia

When iron levels drop too low, the body can no longer produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen. This leads to iron deficiency anemia, characterized by:

• Low Hemoglobin (Hb) Levels: Below 12g/L for women and 13g/L for men.
• Poor-Quality Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells produced in iron deficiency are smaller than normal and contain less hemoglobin (microcytic anemia).

Causes of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can occur due to several factors:

• Nutritional Deficiency: A lack of iron-rich foods, particularly in vegetarians, can lead to deficiency. Foods like red meat, pulses, and cereals are excellent sources of iron.
• Blood Loss: Menstrual bleeding, particularly heavy periods, can lead to significant iron loss. Pregnancy also increases iron demands.
• Poor Absorption: Conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory diseases, or bariatric surgery can impair iron absorption.
• Chronic Illness: Conditions like diabetes and arthritis may lead to iron deficiency due to ongoing inflammation or blood loss.

Why Not Just Take Iron Tablets?

While iron tablets can be effective for mild iron deficiency, they often come with side effects such as stomach discomfort, constipation, or nausea. Additionally, only a small percentage (4-10mg) of the iron in tablets is absorbed into the body, meaning it can take weeks or even months to see significant improvement. For individuals with more severe iron deficiency or those unable to tolerate tablets, iron infusions offer a faster, more effective solution.

What Is an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion is a medical procedure where iron is directly delivered into your bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) drip. This method allows the body to absorb iron rapidly, bypassing the digestive system and avoiding the side effects of oral supplements.

Benefits of Iron Infusions:

• Quick Replenishment: The infusion delivers all the iron needed in one visit, restoring iron levels quickly.
• Effective for Severe Cases: People with low iron stores, poor hair quality, or ongoing iron losses can benefit from an infusion.
• Rapid Improvement: Many people start feeling better within a few days, with increased energy, improved concentration, and reduced breathlessness.

Procedure and Aftercare

1. Pre-Treatment: Before your infusion, ensure you are well-hydrated and have had a light meal. Discontinue iron tablets the 5 days before your appointment.
2. Administration: A small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm, and the iron will be delivered slowly over 60 -120 minutes.
3. Post-Treatment: After the infusion, you will be monitored for 15 minutes before being allowed to leave. Most patients report feeling better within a week.

Are There Any Risks?

Iron infusions are generally safe, with side effects being rare. The most common side effects include a metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, or nausea, but these usually pass quickly. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are very rare, with a major risk occurring in fewer than 1 in a million cases.

Who Should Not Receive an Iron Infusion?

You should avoid an iron infusion if:

• You are allergic to any iron preparations.
• You are experiencing an active infection or feel unwell.
• You have significant liver damage.
• You are in your first trimester of pregnancy

How Long Will I Need Iron Infusions?

Most patients require only one iron infusion to restore their iron levels. However, some individuals may need a second infusion after 2-3 months, especially if they started with very low iron levels or have ongoing blood loss.

Follow-Up Care

We recommend repeating your blood tests 2 months after treatment to ensure your iron stores are back to normal. For individuals with severe hair loss, maintaining high iron levels (ferritin >80) for 1-2 years may be necessary to fully restore hair growth.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, poor concentration, or hair loss, it may be time to consider iron infusions as a treatment option.To arrange an iron IV infusion, contact our office to schedule a consult with Dr. Duyvewaardt.

Please call for details about fees and billing options.