Are low iron levels the reason you're always tired?

We all feel tired now and then, but if you’re feeling exhausted all the time then you could be dealing with a bigger health issue than a simple good night’s sleep could fix.
Studies have found that the diet of over 70 per cent of Australian women aged 25 to 55 years old are deficient in iron, with low iron levels considered the single most common cause of fatigue in women.
So if you’re feeling under the weather, read on to find out the best way to boost not only your iron levels, but also your energy.
Causes of low iron levels
Australian women require up to 18mg of iron in their diet per day, but most women consume less than 10mg. Although, it’s not only our diets that can contribute to low iron levels – other factors include overconsumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, stress, regular exercise, menstruation, pregnancy, breast feeding, and a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Symptoms of low iron levels
Feeling fatigued isn’t the only sign that you’re body might be lacking iron. Other symptoms include poor performance at work, low immunity, headaches, loss of appetite, feeling weak, dark circles under eyes, hair loss, and brittle and thin nails. If you think you might be iron deficient, it’s important to visit your doctor for a professional diagnosis.
Boost your iron levels with iron-rich food
To prevent iron deficiency and boost your iron levels, fill your diet with foods bursting with body-loving iron including red meat, beans, lentils, chickpeas, dark leafy greens, egg yolks, turkey, and dried fruit.
Pop iron supplements daily
Taken daily, iron supplements are an effective way of restoring energy and boosting depleted iron levels. Available in tablet and liquid form, take your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice as it contains vitamin C, which is great for ensuring maximum absorbtion.
Supplements to try:
Swisse Ultiboost Liquid Iron, $19.95, 200mL, www.swisse.com/au
Blackmores Bio Iron, $18.99, 80 tablets, www.blackmores.com.au
FAB IRON + Vitamin B Complex, $12.95, 30 tablets, www.fabiron.com.au
Do you feel fatigued all the time? Have you ever suffered from low iron levels?
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70 Member Comments
best to see a gp about this one
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My Iron levels had me in emergency recently .Given the constipation/ other issues, I have taken to popping a few spatone with fruit juice an hour before breakfast.
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Great article. I always keep my iron levels up no worries there on that.
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My iron levels are balanced and it's interesting because I've recently found out that not everyone needs the same iron levels in their blood - with certain disorders it's actually more dangerous for those people to have too much iron.
Ubiquinol can be good for upping the energy too and is worth looking into.
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My friend was anemic since childhood, was prescribed Fe supplements, got very bad constipation, then her health went for worse. Then changed her diet when she saw how my hormone and asthma issues went away in a few months being WF vegan, mostly raw then (as being told to eat red meat every day and she hated it, but forced herself, without getting better). Now she lost excess fat, goes to loo few times every day, Fe levels finally normal and no more anemia!!! Just vegan diet whole foods. She loves beans and lentils and veg, fruit is her breakfast... maybe that is why. Energy trough the roof!!! She parties 4 times a week and works full time , heaps of energy :D
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There are a lot of factors to consider if you are often tired.
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Yes!true, it is not always lack of Fe
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This was my issue last year - if you suspect it, check with your GP and make sure you eat iron rich foods!
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I've had low iron levels in the past ie with pregnancy, but they've been pretty good since. I know it's very tiring when iron levels are lower than normal
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I have had chronic fatigue syndrome for more than 20 years, so to ask if I am tired is an understatement. I feel dead most of the time.
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Ive been meaning to get my blood tested for a while now. I get plenty of sleep but am also feeling sick and tired
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I take iron tablets and vitamin C tablets... but really, nothing gives me more energy than going for a long walk or a 20 minute work out. Sounds odd, but energy begets energy.
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i found out i was iron and vitamin d deficient, had to take iron tablets daily and increase iron in my food/diet
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yeah sadly I have suffered from low iron.... mainly because I dont eat as much red meats as i should! it can make u feel pretty crappy, and at times dizzy spells! they are not fun! i never knew what it was until i saw my doc & had a blood test done... the are iron supplements are really good!
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I just went to the doctor yesterday to get my iron levels tested, because this is exactly how i feel!!!!!!!!!!
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This article should stress the importance to get blood tested! Do not by any means start taking supplements without knowing if you need them or not, you could do more harm than good.
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Yes, I do need more iron, as well as a whole plethora of other vitamins and minerals.. my diet is lacking!
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Low iron is extremely common these days. The last time I got a blood test 2 years ago my iron was above recommended which surprised me as I don't eat to much of the food containing iron. I should probably get another blood test to see where it's at.
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My iron level is not constant so need to pop supplement now & then.
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My iron level is not constant so need to pop supplement now & then.
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Anaemia need to be diagnosed correctly and diet isn't always a cause.
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Best get my sister to have a read of this!
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