Key Takeaways
- Iron deficiency in adults is most often caused by blood loss, inadequate dietary iron intake or a problem with how the body absorbs iron.
- Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and pale skin are among the most common symptoms of low iron levels.
- Some adults do not see improvement from oral iron supplements because of poor absorption, side effects or an underlying cause that supplements alone cannot fix.
- Iron infusions may be recommended when oral supplements are not effective, not tolerated, or when iron levels need to be corrected more quickly.
- Providers diagnose and monitor iron deficiency using blood tests that measure iron, ferritin and total iron-binding capacity.
- Smart Infusion Therapy Services provides iron infusion therapy, including Infed, Venofer, Feraheme and Injectafer, at its outpatient centers in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison and Onalaska, Wisconsin. Talk to your provider about a referral to get started.
What Causes Iron Deficiency in Adults
Iron deficiency happens when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. According to Mayo Clinic, the most common causes in adults include not getting enough iron through diet and losing blood, whether from menstrual periods or internal bleeding. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.
Common causes of iron deficiency in adults include:
- Chronic blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Insufficient dietary iron intake
- Increased iron needs, such as during pregnancy
- Conditions that affect iron absorption, including celiac disease or prior weight loss surgery
What are the Symptoms of Low Iron Levels?
Iron deficiency can be mild enough at first that many adults do not notice it. As iron levels drop further, symptoms tend to become more noticeable. Common symptoms of low iron include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pale skin and cold hands or feet
- A weakened immune response
Some adults also experience headaches, a fast heartbeat, brittle nails or restless legs syndrome. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, a blood test is the most reliable way to confirm whether low iron is the underlying cause.
You’ve Tried Iron Supplements. Why Aren’t You Improving?
Oral iron supplements are usually the first treatment tried for iron deficiency, but they do not work for everyone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, malabsorption, a condition in which the body cannot properly absorb iron through the stomach and intestines, is more common in people with celiac disease or those who have had weight loss surgery. Oral supplements can also cause gastrointestinal side effects that make it difficult for some patients to continue taking them consistently, and ongoing blood loss can outpace what oral iron alone can replace.
When any of these factors are present, iron levels may stay low or continue to drop even with regular supplement use.
Oral Iron Supplements vs. Iron Infusions
| Factor | Oral Iron Supplements | Iron Infusions |
|---|---|---|
| How it's taken | Daily capsule or tablet | Administered through an IV at an infusion center |
| Speed of correction | Gradual, often over months | Can raise iron levels more quickly |
| Common side effects | Stomach upset, constipation, nausea | Possible infusion-related reactions; patients are monitored during treatment |
| Best suited for | Mild deficiency with normal absorption | Malabsorption, intolerance to oral iron, or more significant deficiency |
When Might Your Doctor Recommend Iron Infusions?
A prescribing provider may recommend an iron infusion when oral supplements have not improved iron levels, are not tolerated due to side effects, or when a patient's iron levels need to be corrected more quickly than oral iron allows. Smart Infusion Therapy Services offers several iron infusion options, including Infed, Venofer, Feraheme, and Injectafer, each administered under a physician's order.
How Providers Diagnose and Monitor Iron Deficiency
Diagnosing iron deficiency typically starts with blood work. Providers commonly check hemoglobin levels along with ferritin and total iron-binding capacity to confirm a true iron deficiency rather than another cause of similar symptoms. Ongoing lab work also helps a prescribing provider track how well a patient is responding to treatment, whether that treatment involves dietary changes, oral supplements or infusion therapy, and adjust the plan as needed.
Smart Infusion Therapy Services Can Help
Understanding what is behind low iron levels is the first step toward feeling better. For adults whose iron deficiency has not responded to oral supplements, Smart Infusion Therapy Services offers a more comfortable, personal setting for iron infusion therapy than a typical hospital infusion suite, working closely with each patient's referring provider to coordinate care, with locations in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and Onalaska, Wisconsin.
If your provider has recommended an iron infusion, talk to your provider about a referral to Smart Infusion Therapy Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of iron deficiency?
Blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding, and low dietary iron intake are among the most common causes of iron deficiency in adults.
Why am I still tired after taking iron supplements?
Some adults do not absorb oral iron well due to conditions like celiac disease or prior weight loss surgery, or their iron loss may be outpacing what oral supplements can replace. A provider can order blood work to determine whether an iron infusion may be more effective.
How do I know if I need an iron infusion instead of iron pills?
A prescribing provider typically recommends an iron infusion when oral supplements have not raised iron levels enough, cause side effects that are difficult to tolerate, or when levels need to be corrected more quickly. Blood tests help guide this decision.
How can I find infusion centers near me for iron deficiency treatment?
Smart Infusion Therapy Services provides iron infusion therapy at its Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison and Onalaska, Wisconsin locations. A referral from a primary care provider or specialist is required to begin treatment.
