So you’ve got low iron, but why?

We see iron deficiency every week in the clinic, in adults and kids. While we get amazing results (with no adverse side effects) from our iron supplementation protocols, understanding the main culprits that result in depleted iron stores is a crucial step in addressing your iron deficiency at its core. Let's decode the puzzle together!

Dietary Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, leafy greens, and legumes can lead to iron deficiency. Fussy eaters, and vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk.

 Blood Loss: Chronic blood loss due to heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding (from conditions like ulcers or colon polyps), or frequent blood donation can result in iron deficiency over time.

 Impaired iron absorption: Conditions like low stomach acid (due to H.pylori or stress), coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastric bypass surgery can impair iron absorption in the gut, contributing to iron deficiency.

Iron Inhibitors: Certain dietary components, such as tannins found in tea and coffee and phytates found in whole grains and legumes, can inhibit the absorption of dietary iron. Consuming these foods and beverages alongside iron-rich meals can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron effectively. To mitigate the effects of iron inhibitors, consider consuming iron-rich foods separately from items high in tannins and phytates or pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods, which can enhance iron absorption. Mindful consumption and strategic meal planning can help maximize iron absorption and support optimal iron levels.

Medications: Certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and aspirin, can interfere with iron absorption or increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, thereby exacerbating iron deficiency.

Parasites and Gut Microbiome Imbalances: Parasitic infections and disruptions in the balance of gut bacteria can interfere with iron absorption and utilization, contributing to iron deficiency. Parasites such as hookworms and giardia can directly consume blood and nutrients, including iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as bacterial overgrowth or dysbiosis, can impair the absorption of nutrients, including iron, from the digestive tract. Addressing parasitic infections, restoring gut health, and supporting a diverse and balanced microbiome are essential for optimizing iron levels and overall health.

Chronic Diseases: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and certain cancers can induce systemic inflammation, which can sequester iron within cells and limit its availability for use, leading to functional iron deficiency.

Increased Iron Requirements: Rapid growth periods in infants, toddlers, and adolescents, as well as strenuous exercise in athletes, pregnancy & breastfeeding, can increase the body's demand for iron, potentially outstripping intake and leading to deficiency if not properly managed.

To avoid ending up on a rollercoaster of supplements and iron infusions followed abruptly by iron stores depleting again all too soon, its important to assess and treat the cause.

And if your iron deficiency is being diagnosed based purely on ferritin levels alone, you want to look out for our blog post here about why ferritin is a poor marker of iron status and other important markers to assess to get an accurate picture of your body’s iron needs.

We pride ourselves on our advanced pathology interpretation and resolution of iron deficiency at its core. If you’d like some support, we’d love to help!