Iron…. Get your iron…. Iron…. Don’t forget to read all about it

Have you ever felt overly exhausted, weak, or like even the smallest task makes you lose motivation and at the end of it all you are left as a couch potato? It’s possible you may be struggling with iron deficiency.

You might say, “Well, wouldn’t my doctor have already told me if I was iron deficient?” Not necessarily.

While iron deficiency isn’t new, it can be surprisingly difficult to detect. The easiest form to spot is iron deficiency linked to anemia (AID). However, non-anemic iron deficiency (NAID) can be much harder to recognize. There is a widespread misconception that you’re only iron deficient if you are anemic, but research shows this is not the case. Due to this misunderstanding, 1 in 4 providers can misinterpret iron levels in lab results, around non-anemic iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, can cause various issues such as fatigue, brain fog, and other cognitive impairments.

“Tens of millions of people in the U.S. are basically running on fumes either because there isn’t enough fuel in the tank or because the tank isn’t connecting to the engine well.”

What is iron deficiency and why does it affect me so much?

Iron plays a key role in how our hemoglobin functions. Hemoglobin is a specific protein found in red blood cells. This protein is crucial for carrying oxygen to the rest of our body. Without enough iron, hemoglobin production drops. With a drop in hemoglobin your body delivers less oxygen to vital tissues and organs. That lack of oxygen often presents itself as fatigue.

You’re not alone

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one dealing with this. Approximately 70% of the high-risk population for iron deficiency goes undiagnosed. Iron deficiency seems to be extremely common in the general population of people who are seemingly healthy and non-anemic. This group can generally be split into two categories:

• Absolute iron deficiency: where iron levels in the blood are low.
• Functional iron deficiency: where your body has enough iron but does not know how to use those minerals properly.

The most affected groups, based on research, include people of female sex, African American, and younger patients. Due to the lack of recognition, there’s a large gap in treatment for this condition.

What can you do?

First and foremost, consult with your doctor. Share any signs or symptoms you’ve noticed and request testing for your ferritin levels, which are commonly associated with diagnosing non-anemic iron deficiency.

Also, understand what fatigue can actually look like it’s not just being tired. Symptoms may include:

• Chronic tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Constant headaches
• Sore muscles
• Impaired judgment
• Loss of appetite

The listed symptoms are just a few of those correlated to fatigue.  Keep in mind that even if you don’t check every box, you may still be iron deficient. It’s essential to consult your doctor and advocate for testing.

Treatment and Diet

If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency, it is important to know what treatments are available to you. Treatment usually begins with oral supplements. If oral supplements are not effective, doctors may recommend IV iron infusions.

• Oral remedies take about 3 months to show improvement.
• IV iron generally works faster, taking about 2 months for results.

Another way to reduce your risk or support treatment? Watch what you eat. Research shows that people on vegan or vegetarian diets are at higher risk for iron deficiency.

Here are some iron-rich foods to include in your every day diet:

• Red meat (optional depending on diet restrictions)
• Seafood and shellfish
• Beans
• Dark leafy greens
• Raisins and apricots
• Iron-fortified cereals and foods

Final Thoughts

Iron deficiency is more common than people realize and too often, it goes unnoticed. Don’t wait for symptoms to take over your life. Inform yourself, know the signs, and advocate for the right tests and treatment. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, taking supplements, or pursuing medical treatment, you deserve to feel like yourself again.

References 

  American Society of Hematology. (2024, April 12). Over half of iron deficiency cases in large health system still unresolved at three years. https://www.hematology.org/newsroom/press-releases/2024/over-half-of-iron-deficiency-cases-in-large-health-system-still-unresolved-at-three-years

  Bruikman, C. S., DeLoughery, T. G., Mebius, M. M., & Swinkels, D. W. (2024). Iron deficiency resolution and time to resolution in a large health care system. Blood Advances, 8(23), 6029–6038. https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011633

  Bendix, A. (2024, May 9). Iron deficiency in adults is more common than previously thought, study finds. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/iron-deficiency-adults-higher-expected-study-rcna172246

  Camaschella, C. (2020). Iron deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 372(19), 1832–1843. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7588396/

  Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Fatigue. State Government of Victoria. Retrieved June 6, 2025, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigue

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