Quick read
Key points
- 1
Iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It commonly causes fatigue, pale skin, breathlessness, and dizziness, and can result from inadequate dietary iron, heavy periods, pregnancy, or blood loss elsewhere, such as from the digestive tract.
- 2
Confirm iron deficiency, identify the source of iron loss or increased demand and use iron replacement safely.
- 3
You have persistent fatigue, breathlessness, or pale skin
01 · Know
What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?
Iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It commonly causes fatigue, pale skin, breathlessness, and dizziness, and can result from inadequate dietary iron, heavy periods, pregnancy, or blood loss elsewhere, such as from the digestive tract.
It's usually treated effectively with iron supplements, alongside identifying and addressing any underlying cause of the iron deficiency, particularly if blood loss from the digestive tract is suspected as a contributing factor.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Finding the underlying cause matters, not just treating the anaemia
While iron supplements treat the anaemia itself, identifying why someone has become iron deficient — whether heavy periods, dietary factors, or digestive blood loss — is important, since some causes need their own specific investigation and treatment.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1You have persistent fatigue, breathlessness, or pale skin
- 2You have heavy periods alongside symptoms of anaemia
- 3You've been diagnosed and want to discuss finding the underlying cause
- 4Iron supplements aren't improving your symptoms
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take Iron Supplements with Vitamin C for Better Absorption
Taking iron supplements alongside a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, can improve how well the iron is absorbed, while tea and coffee taken at the same time can reduce absorption.
- 1Take iron supplements as prescribed.These are the main treatment for correcting iron deficiency anaemia.
- 2Take supplements with vitamin C for better absorption.A glass of orange juice alongside your supplement can help.
- 3Avoid tea and coffee around the time you take iron.These can reduce how well iron is absorbed.
- 4Include iron-rich foods in your diet.Red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals are good dietary sources.
- 5Attend follow-up blood tests.These confirm your iron levels are improving and help identify if further investigation of the underlying cause is needed.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Iron deficiency anaemia is common and treatable with iron supplements, though identifying the underlying cause is an important part of care.
Taking iron supplements with vitamin C, and avoiding tea or coffee at the same time, helps improve absorption.