Iron Clinic
What is Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency anaemia is due to a lack of iron and it is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide. Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs for growth and development. A lack of iron means your body will not be able to produce enough of a substance called haemoglobin, which you need in order to carry oxygen around the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Tiredness
Dizziness
Decreased Concentration
Headaches
Pale Skin
Reduced Exercise
Pica
Shortness of Breath
Dry/Cracked Skin
Cold hands or Feet
Iron Infusion
£745Total Cost
- GP Consultation Before Iron Infusion
- Iron Infusion
- Aftercare
How do you find out if you’re iron deficient?
You may find that you have signs and symptoms of iron deficiency, however, a doctor will perform a blood test to look at an iron profile which will include a full blood count to check your levels and determine how deficient you actually are.
Who experiences Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency anaemia can affect anyone of any age, however there are specific groups that tend to experience iron deficiency more than others. The cause of iron deficiency can be put down to increased losses, decreased intake and increased demand.
Women
Iron deficiency is an anaemia most often found in women due to factors such as blood loss from menstruation, pregnancy and also following birth.
Children
Iron deficiency can also occur in growing children as their demands for iron may not always be met through diet.
Vegans/Vegetarians
Those whose lifestyles and dietary choices include vegetarianism and veganism may also experience iron deficiency if they are not getting enough iron in their diets.
High Performance Athletes
High performance athletes require increased demand which can lead to iron deficiency.
What are the options to treat iron deficiency anaemia?
Iron deficiency can be treated by increasing dietary intake, whether it be iron supplements or iron-rich foods. However, it doesn’t suit everyone and often an iron infusion is more appropriate.
What is an iron infusion?
An iron infusion is a procedure that slowly provides iron directly into the bloodstream intravenously (into the vein with a needle). This is advantageous because it works a lot faster than methods that have to be “ingested” first.
The method in which the iron is delivered is known as an Intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is given as a drip into the veins. An iron infusion may be prescribed by a doctor if iron levels are low and other methods of treating iron have not been effective or are not tolerated due to side effects. The procedure usually lasts 30 – 45 minutes with the patient lying or sitting down during the session.
What are the benefits of iron infusion compared to other treatments?
As mentioned, there are many ways to treat iron deficiency anaemia, but how beneficial are these treatments over iron infusions?
Trying to treat your iron deficiency with oral supplementation such as iron-rich foods or tablets can not only take a long time, but they can also have side effects. Iron infusions are quick and increase the iron load in the body more quickly and therefore treating the iron deficiency symptoms.
Meet Our Iron Clinic Doctors
Our Iron Clinic doctors will look after you from beginning to end on your journey to treat your iron deficiency. With plenty of experience helping patients with their anaemia, feel rest assured that you are in safe hands. From checking your blood test results to ensure that you are a candidate for iron deficiency, to keeping you safe during the treatment and monitoring the success of the treatment after, our doctors are here for you every step of the way.
More Frequently Asked Questions
There are no real preparations you have to do in order to have an iron infusion. Just be sure to wear something you feel comfortable in and if you are easily bored, bring some entertainment along in the form of your phone or a book!
The infusion itself is between 30 – 45 minutes, however, the consultation beforehand is longer to allow time for discussion. We will also monitor you after for your safety. So in total, you should plan for around 1.5 hours for your iron infusion appointment.
Yes, however, the manufacturer’s advice is to avoid having an iron infusion in the first trimester. You can however have one in the second and third if the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
Your level of iron will be calculated depending on your deficiency and body weight. Most people only need one session, however, there are a few that need to come in for a second infusion. This is because only a certain amount of iron can be given in one go to ensure the safety of the patient.
We advise that you repeat blood tests 6-8 weeks after the infusion. However, you should start to feel the benefits after two weeks of having the infusion.
One iron infusion should usually be enough for most patients. If the doctor is satisfied with your iron levels after 6-8 weeks of the infusion, they may recommend that you then take supplements two or three times a week to maintain your iron levels. However, each case varies and some patients may need a second infusion. The doctor will be able to give you individual advice before and after your session.
Request your appointment now!
Find out if you’re a candidate for an iron infusion.
Fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you, or get a head start and send a copy of your recent blood tests to [email protected] for a doctor to review.
