Iron deficiency affects over 10% of the population and can cause fatigue, tiredness, irritability and shortness of breath on exertion. It is detected by a blood test (full blood count and iron studies) and is usually treated with iron tablets. It is important to determine the cause of the iron deficiency. These include not eating red meat (beef, pork, lamb), menstrual periods and blood donations. Conditions causing loss of blood into the stomach or small/large intestine often needs to be identified by the investigations of gastroscopy and colonoscopy. These conditions include peptic ulcer disease and tumours/polyps of the bowel or stomach. Coeliac disease can lead to reduced absorption of iron and is also found at gastroscopy with biopsy.
Iron tablets often cause side-effects such as nausea and constipation, newer formulations such as “Maltofer” tend to minimise side effects. Recent evidence suggest that absorption and tolerance is improved by taking the iron tablet at least 2 hours after a meal and particularly avoiding coffee when taking the iron tablet. Patients who have sideffects from taking the iron tablets would likely benefit from an iron infusion. An iron infusion such as “Monofer” or “Ferinject” can be given at the time of the gastroscopy/colonoscopy.
Initial assessment for iron deficiency would be undertaken by your GP or family doctor and possible referral to a specialist.
