Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional concerns worldwide, yet it’s so easy to miss its symptoms. They are often very subtle and gradual. Here, DR BEHRAM ALI KHAN addresses seven key questions about this condition, including when it might be time to consider an iron infusion.
#1 Why is iron crucial for our overall health?
“Iron is an essential part of haemoglobin, which is needed to form red blood cells that carry life-sustaining oxygen to all our body parts,” says Dr Khan. That’s not all. “Iron is also part of the protein myoglobin in our muscles, which gives us the energy to move our body and is needed for various growth and development processes.”
#2 What are some telltale symptoms of iron deficiency?
A reason why iron deficiency is so hard to spot is that symptoms can often be attributed to other lifestyle or health factors. They include fatigue or prolonged tiredness, brain fog, hair loss, headache, feeling cold, dizziness, depression and irritability. Dr Khan explains that we should also watch out for skin and nail problems as well as muscle pains with reduced energy to exercise. These can be signals that our body is asking for more iron.
#3 What are some top tips for preventing iron loss or iron deficiency from the body?
Dr Khan recommends a multi-pronged approach. “You should maintain a balanced diet with all food groups in moderation. In addition, it’s important to go for a health screening, especially if you have risk factors such as a restricted diet, heavy menstrual cycle or bowel problems that can cause iron
#4 Is it really possible to reverse iron deficiency through diet and supplements?
Iron deficiency is easily reversed by supplementation. However, oral iron can cause constipation, black stools and abdominal discomfort, and take months to see an effect. “We therefore recommend discussing an iron infusion with your doctor, which causes rapid correction of symptoms due to iron deficiency. The oral supplements and diet can then be used to maintain iron levels longer in the body,” says Dr Khan.
#5 What are the benefits of an iron infusion to treat iron deficiency?
“Modern improvements in iron infusion therapy allow us to safely and effectively give a patient’s required amount of iron in one or two sittings, that would have taken months to correct with tolerability issues with oral iron supplements. The beneficial effects of iron infusion are felt rapidly within a few days, with significant improvement in quality of life.”
#6 What happens after undergoing an iron infusion?
Iron infusions are generally well tolerated and take less than an hour to perform. In fact, Dr Khan says that patients can proceed with their normal daily activities after an iron infusion, according to their doctor’s advice.
#7 How do we pick the best place to get an iron infusion?
In Singapore, the Iron Suites at Integrative Medical Centre specialises in iron infusions, with trained, certified staff who have years of experience in iron replacement therapy.
Dr Khan is a senior consultant nephrologist and a medical director at The Integrative Medical Centre, 491B River Valley Road, #11-02.
6702 1929 | theintegrativemedicalcentre.com
This article about iron deficiency first appeared in the February 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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