According to the pharmacist, iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the hemoglobin level in the blood decreases to a certain level, disrupting the function of various organs and muscles, causing troubling symptoms. However, V. Bečelytė explains that ferritin levels decrease first.
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“People often think that hemoglobin and ferritin levels mean the same thing – the amount of iron in the body, but in fact, they indicate different things. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues, while ferritin shows the iron stores accumulated in the body. That is why doctors often evaluate both of these indicators together,” explains the pharmacist.
She adds that when treating iron deficiency anemia, it is important not only to increase hemoglobin levels but also to restore iron stores to prevent the problem from recurring. Hemoglobin levels should range between 120–160 g/l for women and 140–180 g/l for men. The ferritin norm for women is 15–150 µg/l, and for men – 30–400 µg/l. However, according to the pharmacist, to feel well and avoid unpleasant symptoms, ferritin levels should be roughly in the middle of the normal range.
She also notes that iron deficiency anemia is more often diagnosed in women of reproductive age, pregnant women, children, vegetarians and vegans, as well as people with digestive tract diseases or impaired iron absorption. If regularly facing iron deficiency, it is important to consult a doctor and determine the true cause of the deficit.
Nutrition also matters
As the pharmacist states, when treating or trying to prevent iron deficiency anemia, a balanced diet plays a very important role. The body best absorbs heme iron found in animal products, which is abundant in beef, liver, poultry, and fish.
“Plant-based products – legumes, spinach, buckwheat, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruits – also contain iron, but it is absorbed less efficiently. Therefore, it is worth combining these products with fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C,” recommends V. Bečelytė.
Plant-based products – legumes, spinach, buckwheat, pumpkin seeds, or dried fruits – also contain iron, but it is absorbed less efficiently.
However, the pharmacist emphasizes that if iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed, proper nutrition alone may not be enough. In such cases, dietary supplements, prescription iron preparations, or, in more severe cases, intravenous infusions are prescribed.
Are you taking iron supplements correctly?
Pharmacist V. Bečelytė notes that hemoglobin and ferritin levels usually restore gradually, so quick results should not be expected. Even when doctors prescribe intravenous iron infusions, improvement in well-being is usually felt only after a few weeks. However, one of the most common reasons why treatment takes even longer is improper use of iron supplements.
“Iron supplements should not be taken together with dairy products, calcium, magnesium, or zinc supplements, as these substances can interfere with its absorption. It is also recommended to avoid coffee, tea, and dairy products for at least a couple of hours before and after taking iron preparations. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can help the body absorb iron better, so it is beneficial to take supplements with water and consume them together with vitamin C-rich foods or, if recommended, vitamin C supplements,” she advises.
Iron supplements should not be taken together with dairy products, calcium, magnesium, or zinc supplements, as these substances can interfere with its absorption.
The pharmacist emphasizes that iron supplement intake should not be stopped as soon as the well-being improves. The exact duration of supplement use and the need for repeat tests are always determined by the doctor.
Not only the amount but also the form is important
The most commonly used additional forms of iron are iron sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, or bisglycinate, and these supplements also come in different forms: capsules, liquid, intravenous, or tablets.
Taking iron supplements may darken stools – this is usually a normal and harmless phenomenon. Some people may also experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating.
V. Bečelytė reminds that if hemoglobin and ferritin levels do not improve or symptoms persist while following doctor-prescribed or pharmacist-recommended treatment, one should consult the doctor again.
