10 iron deficiency symptoms you should know about

Iron deficiency is common in Australia and can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life.1 That’s why it’s important to see a healthcare professional if you have concerns. Read on for examples of symptoms and an explanation of what may be happening in your body to make you feel the way you do.

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10 iron deficiency symptoms you should know about

Iron deficiency is common in Australia and can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life.1 That’s why it’s important to see a healthcare professional if you have concerns. Read on for examples of symptoms and an explanation of what may be happening in your body to make you feel the way you do.

Signs you should see a doctor

If you experience any of the signs and symptoms below, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to check you out for iron deficiency:2-5

  1. Feeling tired or fatigued
  2. Feeling weak
  3. Poor energy
  4. Difficulty concentrating
  5. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  6. Losing your ability to exercise at your usual intensity
  7. Decreased productivity at work
  8. Decreased performance with your studies
  9. Brittle nails or poor hair condition
  10. Irritability

Note: This list is not exhaustive and each sign and symptom above has several possible causes. Iron deficiency is straightforward for your doctor to diagnose, so make an appointment if you are concerned.

Oxygen for your cells

Tiredness is one a common symptom of iron deficiency. It’s caused by not having enough haemoglobin in your blood to transport oxygen around your body.2,3 Think of it as depriving your cells of the oxygen they need to function at their optimum level.

Diagnosis and treatment

Your GP will send you for a quick blood test if they suspect your symptoms are caused by iron deficiency. Once diagnosed, iron deficiency can be successfully corrected. However, it is crucial for your doctor to find out the cause, so that can be treated as well.2

Why you can trust Ferro-grad C®

You can trust Ferro-grad C® if your doctor diagnoses iron deficiency and recommends a therapeutic oral iron supplement. Ferro-grad C® is a first-line treatment for iron deficiency and contains 105 mg of elemental iron.6,7 What’s more, as the name suggests, Ferro-grad C® uses Gradumet technology to help make it easier on your stomach. 8-11 It also contains 500 mg of vitamin C to aid absorption. In addtion, it has the convenience of once-daily dosing.

References:

  1. ABS data, 2012
  2. Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Clinical update – Iron deficiency; 2015.
  3. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NIH). Iron deficiency anemia March 2014.
  4. Shalini B, Forsyth C. NPS Medicinewise, December 2021
  5. Harding M, Jackson C, Patient; July 2018
  6. Iron Deficiency. In Therapeutic Guidelines; March 2017
  7. Iron polymaltose, ARTG 229647, 2014
  8. Brise H & Hallberg L. Acta Med Scand 1962;171 (Suppl 376):51–8. (funded)
  9. Webster JJ Current Therapeutic Research 4(4) Aor 1962 130-134. (funded)
  10. Blair H & Blair C J. Coll Gen Pract 1967 Jan; 13(1): 117-121 (funded)
  11. Morrison J et al Med J Aust 1977 1: 482-484 (funded)

FGC-2021-0130. October 2021

#Most widely used brand of therapeutic oral iron supplement, based on cumulative total of IQVIA sales data in the last 10 years.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
For use when you have been diagnosed as iron deficient and your doctor has recommended a therapeutic oral iron supplement.

Ferro-grad C contains ferrous sulfate 325 mg (equivalent to 105 mg elemental iron) and sodium ascorbate 562.4 mg (equivalent to 500 mg Vitamin C).

Ferro-grad C is a Viatris trademark. Copyright © 2022 Viatris Inc. All rights reserved. Viatris Pty Ltd. Level 1, 30-34 Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000. Tel 1800 314 527. FGC-2022-0047. Prepared April 2022.