Understanding Iron Deficiency
- ivloungealgarve
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
You get eight hours of sleep. You drink your coffee. You eat reasonably well. But by 2 PM, you're struggling to keep your eyes open...
If this sounds familiar, you might be part of the roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide dealing with iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency doesn't discriminate. While it's commonly discussed in relation to women's health, men are affected too — iron deficiency especially affects athletes, vegetarians, and anyone with digestive issues that impact nutrient absorption. Most people live with iron deficiency for months or years before getting diagnosed!
Signs Your Body Needs More Iron
Iron deficiency creeps up slowly. The symptoms are vague enough that people blame stress, age, or just being busy.
Here's what to watch for:
Fatigue that doesn't respond to rest. This isn't regular tiredness. It's bone-deep exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix.
Physical changes. Pale skin, brittle nails that break easily, hair that's thinning more than usual.
Breathing difficulties. Getting winded walking up stairs or during activities that used to be easy.
Cognitive issues. Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, frequent headaches.
Temperature sensitivity. Cold hands and feet, even in warm weather.
If multiple symptoms ring true, it's worth getting tested.
The Problem With Oral Iron Supplements
Your doctor might prescribe iron pills, but here's the reality: oral iron has a 10-15% absorption rate. That means 85-90% of what you swallow doesn't get used by your body.
The side effects don't help. Constipation, nausea, stomach pain—these drive many people to quit before seeing any benefit. Even for those who stick with it, improvement takes 3-6 months. That's a long time to feel terrible while waiting for pills to maybe work.
Iron IV Therapy: A More Direct Approach
IV iron therapy bypasses the digestive system entirely. The iron goes straight into your bloodstream where your body can use it immediately.
At Drip IV Portugal, we require recent blood work (from the last 4-6 weeks) before any iron infusion. Don't have recent results? We can arrange testing for you. You'll receive a detailed lab report with physician analysis within 2-5 days of your blood draw.
For mild to moderate iron deficiency, we use Venofer infusions. Most patients need just one session to see significant improvement. Energy levels typically increase within days to weeks, not months.
Severe deficiency cases may require a different treatment protocol or multiple infusions—this is why the blood work and physician analysis are non-negotiable. Iron therapy needs to be tailored to your specific levels and health status.
Next Steps
If you've been dragging yourself through each day, blaming it on stress or lack of sleep, consider getting your iron levels checked. The difference between guessing and knowing is a simple blood test.
Ready to stop being tired all the time? Contact us to schedule blood work or discuss whether IV iron therapy is right for you.
Disclaimer: This information is educational and not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
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