Iron deficiency
15 to 20% of menstruating women have iron deficiency, and around 3% have iron-deficiency anaemia. Typical signs are persistent fatigue, poor concentration, hair loss, brittle nails and restless legs.
How we proceed
The first-choice treatment is oral iron substitution. Iron tablets taken every other day are absorbed best. We use iron infusions only when they are medically justified.
Symptoms
Fatigue, reduced performance, hair loss or brittle nails point to a possible iron deficiency.
Laboratory test
We measure CRP, complete blood count, ferritin and transferrin saturation. CRP shows inflammation that would distort the ferritin value.
Oral substitution
If iron deficiency is confirmed, you take iron tablets every other day for 2 months.
If needed: infusion
If tolerability is poor or the effect insufficient, we switch to intravenous iron at the practice.
Follow-up after 6 months
A follow-up laboratory test confirms the treatment success.
Iron-rich foods
A balanced diet supports your iron levels. Values in milligrams of iron per 100 g.
Meat & offal
- Blood sausage30mg / 100 g
- Pork liver18mg / 100 g
- Beef2.1mg / 100 g
Legumes
- Soybeans (dried)9.7mg / 100 g
- Lentils (dried)8mg / 100 g
- Chickpeas (dried)6.1mg / 100 g
- Tofu5.4mg / 100 g
Nuts & seeds
- Pumpkin seeds11.2mg / 100 g
- Pine nuts9.2mg / 100 g
- Almonds4.2mg / 100 g
Grains & cereals
- Wheat bran15mg / 100 g
- Millet flakes9mg / 100 g
- Oat flakes4.2mg / 100 g
Vegetables
- Black salsify3.3mg / 100 g
- Spinach2.7mg / 100 g
- Green peas1.9mg / 100 g
Fish & eggs
- Oysters5.8mg / 100 g
- Egg yolk5.5mg / 100 g
- Sardines in oil2.5mg / 100 g
Iron from animal sources (heme iron) is absorbed better than plant-based iron. Vitamin C – such as a glass of orange juice – improves the absorption of plant-based iron.
Frequently asked questions about iron deficiency
Why don't I get an iron infusion right away?
Because it is rarely medically necessary. Iron tablets reliably replenish the stores in most people and are safer and cheaper. The Swiss specialist society SGAIM explicitly recommends no infusion without a prior trial of oral therapy. In case of intolerance, insufficient response or absorption disorders we infuse directly at the practice.
How quickly does the treatment work?
The blood count usually improves within about four weeks, energy levels often a little later. The iron stores need around two to three months to fill up. After six months we check the laboratory values to confirm the success.
What side effects do iron tablets have?
The most common are gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, constipation or dark stools. Taking the tablets every other day clearly improves tolerability. If complaints persist, we consider alternatives up to intravenous administration.
Book an appointment
We take the time for your assessment and advise you personally.