Iron deficiency is a common and treatable health condition. Many people experience symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or reduced exercise tolerance without realising that low iron may be the cause. The good news is that iron deficiency is straightforward to diagnose with a simple blood test and, once identified, there are effective treatments available, such as an iron infusion.
Why Iron Is Important
Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body function properly.
One of iron’s most important roles is in the production of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Without enough iron, your body cannot produce healthy red blood cells efficiently.
Adequate iron levels support:
• Energy production
• Healthy immune function
• Muscle performance
• Brain function and concentration
• Mental wellbeing
When iron stores in the body become depleted and are not replaced, iron deficiency develops. If this continues over time, it can progress to iron deficiency anaemia.
How Common Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.
Some groups are more likely to develop iron deficiency, including:
• Infants who are given cow’s milk instead of breastmilk or iron-fortified formula
• Young children
• Women with heavy menstrual periods
• Pregnant women
• People with dietary restrictions (such as vegetarian or vegan diets)
• Recent migrants
• People with certain medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption
What Causes Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency can develop for several reasons, including:
Low dietary iron intake
Diets that do not include enough iron-rich foods, particularly vegetarian or vegan diets without appropriate iron sources.
Reduced absorption of iron
Certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as coeliac disease, or previous stomach or intestinal surgery can affect how well iron is absorbed.
Blood loss
This is one of the most common causes and may occur from:
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
• Regular blood donation
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Symptoms can develop gradually and may sometimes be mistaken for general fatigue or stress.
Common symptoms include:
• Persistent tiredness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hair loss
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is worth discussing them with your doctor to see if testing is appropriate.
How Is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?
Iron deficiency is diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures the amount of iron stored in your body.
This test allows your doctor to determine whether your symptoms may be related to low iron levels and whether treatment is needed.
Treatment Options for Iron Deficiency
Treatment aims to restore your body’s iron levels and address any underlying cause.
Common treatment options include:
• Increasing iron-rich foods in the diet
• Taking oral iron supplements
• Intravenous (IV) iron infusion
For most people, oral iron supplements are the first line of treatment.
While supplements can sometimes cause mild side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea or stomach upset, these symptoms are usually manageable.
When choosing an iron supplement, it is important to check that it provides a therapeutic dose — typically around 100 mg of elemental iron per day, as some products contain much lower amounts.
When Is an Iron Infusion Recommended?
An iron infusion may be recommended if:
• Oral iron supplements cannot be tolerated
• Iron levels are very low
• Iron deficiency anaemia is present
• Oral supplements have not been effective
Iron infusions are generally safe when performed in a medical clinic by trained healthcare professionals.
Serious side effects are very rare, but can include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Depending on the iron preparation used, the estimated risk ranges from approximately 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 250,000.
Your doctor will discuss the risks, benefits and suitability of this treatment with you.
What Happens During an Iron Infusion?
If you are eligible for an iron infusion, the process is usually simple and completed during a clinic visit.
At your initial consultation, the doctor will:
• Review your symptoms
• Organise blood tests if needed
• Investigate possible causes of iron deficiency
• Discuss treatment options
• Assess eligibility for an iron infusion
• Explain the procedure, risks and costs
If an infusion is recommended:
• You will be booked for a clinic appointment lasting approximately one hour
• You will purchase the prescribed iron product (such as Ferinject or Monofer) from a pharmacy and bring it with you
• A nurse will check your blood pressure and vital signs
• The doctor will insert a small IV cannula
• The infusion is usually administered over about 15 minutes
• You will be monitored during and after the infusion
• A short observation period of 15–30 minutes follows the treatment
• A follow-up appointment will be arranged
Cost of an Iron Infusion
The cost of an iron infusion at Auslink Medical Centre is $280.
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $84.90.
Your doctor will provide a prescription for the iron preparation (such as Ferinject or Monofer), which is purchased separately from the pharmacy.
Booking an Appointment
If you think you may have symptoms of iron deficiency, or if you would like to discuss whether an iron infusion may be appropriate for you, please book an appointment with a doctor at Auslink Medical Centre.
Further Information
For additional patient information, you may find these resources helpful: