Today, we're going to talk about something that's essential to your body for feeling energetic: Iron. No, I'm not talking about pumping iron at the gym; I'm talking about the iron your body needs to function correctly.
So, let's cut through the jargon and get straight to the point: Do you need an iron infusion?
What's the Big Deal About Iron?
Iron is the 'essential worker' of the mineral world: hardworking, required to function, and often overlooked. It helps your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If you're low on iron, you might as well be running your body on an empty tank.
Signs You Might Be Iron-Deficient
Fatigue and Weakness: Like a car running low on fuel. Fatigue is the most common symptom.
Pale Skin: You're looking more like a vampire than a banaboat commercial. This only happens with significant deficiency.
Frequent Infections: Your immune system's down under.
The Aussie Guidelines: When to Consider an Iron Infusion
According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), iron infusions are recommended when:
Oral Iron Supplements Aren't Working: Generally, the first step is increasing iron in the diet, but supplements can be slow to replace stores or cause gastrointestinal upset like constipation, discomfort and nausea (in up to 30% !)
You've Got Certain Medical Conditions: Like inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, that gets in the way of effectively absorbing iron after you eat it, so oral iron might not be adequate.
You're Pregnant and Iron-Deficient: You're eating for two and need to get the iron up quickly if it is low (certain times of pregnancy are better than others for infusions).
The Process: What Happens During an Iron Infusion
Step one
Book a chat with a GP. We need to check your iron level and ensure the benefits of an infusion outweigh the costs and that you have a long-term plan to approach the cause of the deficiency. So a consult with your GP comes first.
Then, you get a script for the iron bottles and book an appointment for the infusion.
Step two On the day of the infusion, you pick up the bottles from the pharmacy and bring them. You'll sit in a comfy chair with a book, and a healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your vein. Then, iron will be infused directly into your bloodstream, taking about 15-30 minutes. We make sure you are feeling well by taking blood pressure throughout under nursing observation for another 30 minutes.
The Dollars and Cents: What's It Gonna Cost?
In Australia, the cost can range from $200 to $400 (my clinic charges around $200 and less for pensioners, and you get $76 back from Medicare). The cost of oral supplements stacks up over time: Ferrograd C at Chemist warehouse is $21.99 for 30 tablets. That is $267.55 a year!
The Verdict
If you show signs of iron deficiency and oral supplements or replacement are causing issues or taking too long to get that ferritin, an iron infusion could be the go. But remember, always consult your GP for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to you.
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on guidelines from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and is intended for informational purposes. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.
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