Iron deficiency is being ignored by a large portion of the population – especially in the female gender. In my practice, I have treated many young women who choose a vegetarian diet for “health” reasons, however, they commonly present with recurrent fatigue, poor concentration, infections like cystitis, and anaemia. I am certain that iron deficiency contributes to sub-fertility and miscarriages.
Part of the problem is that the significance of the balance between serum iron and the storage iron (known as serum Ferritin) is not necessarily comprehended by all. The lower end of the serum iron and serum Ferritin ranges are NOT healthy. The normal ranges are based on blood levels including that of unhealthy people. It is a common misconception that if the Ferritin level is okay, the serum level will then be adequate. However, frequently, this is not the case. In certain cases, serum iron is low or suboptimal when the Ferritin is at good levels. In my experience, this suggests a suboptimal liver function of iron metabolism.
Most cases of iron deficiency are easily treated by adding meat protein to the diet and /or supplementing with oral iron supplement. Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplementation. If this occurs, a change of formulation frequently corrects this problem. Some people will require intravenous iron infusions to achieve healthy iron levels.
Many patients see a dramatic improvement in the general health with iron correction alone.