Why do I need Iron?..

Your body contains about 3000mg of iron. Blood tests can determine if you have too little iron (iron deficiency) or too few red blood cells (anaemia). Depending on your weight, an average diagnosis of more than 1000mg of iron. Changing your diet or taking iron tablets can slowly improve your iron stores. However, the body can only absorb a limited amount of iron per day through these methods, and it may take months for you to feel better. By adding iron directly to your blood through intravenous infusion you can rapidly replace all your iron stores in one treatment and patients report feeling better in days.

What are the options to treat iron deficiency?..

Treating iron deficiency often involves taking supplements and changing your diet to increase the amount of iron absorbed by the gut. The best source of iron is red meat, especially beef and liver. Often people are prescribed supplements such a ferrous sulphate, which is taken as a tablet usually twice a day. It’s important to treat any underlying cause, if lack of iron in you diet is thought to be contributing to your iron deficiency, your doctor may advise you to eat more foods that are rich in iron.

It’s important to treat any underlying cause, if lack of iron in you diet is thought to be contributing to your iron deficiency, your doctor may advise you to eat more foods that are rich in iron. With intravenous iron, a small proportion of patients, approximately 2-3% may report feeling feeling flushed or mild abdominal discomfort during the infusion.

Instead of a daily pill or liquid, intravenous iron is given as a slow infusion into a vein. This requires inserting a small plastic tube (cannula) into a vein in your arm and will feel similar to having a blood test. This can be done whilst you are sitting in a chair or lying comfortably. The iron will be administered via an infusion pump ensuring that the correct amount is given to you over the correct time period. For safety you will be monitored for 30 minutes following the infusion.