Signs of Iron Deficiency

As an herbalist and holistic health consultant, I see a lot of iron deficiency. It's important to note that iron deficiency can manifest through subtle signs that are often overlooked. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Unexplained easy bruising

• Significant hair loss or thinning

• Brittle nails

• Unusual paleness in complexion

• Persistent dark circles under the eyes

• Frequent headaches

• Dizziness

• Inner ear disturbances (rushing sounds, sporadic bumping noises)

• Heavy periods

• Leg cramps

• Palpitations

• Unusual breathlessness after minimal exertion

• Depression

• Craving ice, crunchy things, dirt or earthy foods, dry pasta

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be worthwhile to evaluate your iron levels.

So, how do you evaluate iron levels?

Well, let me tell you, getting your doctor to test them can be quite a challenge. Some countries allow you to order an at-home test, but it's crucial to know what exactly you should be testing for.

Iron? Ferritin? Iron saturation? Serum iron?

The most important number to check is your ferritin level. And my friend, make sure to get a copy of those numbers.

Why?

Because many doctors are not be up to date on the latest research regarding iron levels, and you might hear a "You're fine!" when you're actually not. Trust me, staying informed about your health is key, especially when it comes to iron.

If you get a test, what you mainly need your ferritin number (serum iron is not useful as an indicator).


Below 30 ng/mL is Absolute Iron Deficiency


Below 45 and with anemia is Absolute Iron Deficiency


And anything less than 100 ng/mL is symptomatic of low iron.

Correcting iron deficieny and anemia can be complex.
It may require taking cofactors like vitamin C, D, B vitamins, or copper and correcting other deficiencies.
It may require heavy supplementation to reach iron goals.
It may mean getting to the bottom of why it’s happening and that might entail looking at gut and colon health, attending to polyps and fibroids, looking at thyroid health, taking certain foods out of the diet, sorting out heavy periods (isn’t it wild that heavy periods can cause iron deficiency, but iron deficiency can cause heavy periods?), sorting out low stomach acid that could also be causing heartburn or loose stools, and on and on.


For all of this and more, I suggest this group, The Iron Protocol (for Iron Deficiency with or without Anemia) or its website if you prefer, www.theironprotocol.com . It’s important to read the guides. It’s very complete and up to date!

What’s non-heme iron?
This is non-animal source iron. In the guides you’ll see various forms, including ones that are non-constipating for most people. If taking this non-heme, you’d want to be taking it on an empty stomach and with 1000 mg of vitamin C and away from things like coffee and tea because the tannins in these prevent absorbtion of iron of this form.
Find non-heme iron here at HBH

What’s heme iron?
It’s animal source iron. The guides will give you the various forms. It can be taken near coffee and tea, and doesn’t require the 1000 mg of vitamin C to be taken with it. I’m still looking for a good source for heme iron available here. Many of them are fine but contain A LOT of artificial and suspect colors and dyes. Yikes.

Do you suspect or know iron is an issue for you?
What has helped in your iron journey?
What hasn’t?
Tell us below!