• Rewards Room
    • You are here
    Home / Body & Health / Supplements / Vitamins / Are low iron levels the reason you're always tired?

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

    Updated:28 Apr 2016 11:29 AM | Posted by
    bh's Rosemary Taber's picture
    bh's Rosemary Taber
    Comment

    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?

    YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

    How-to: fake a good nights sleep

    Boost your skin's health from within

    6 signs you're not sleeping properly

    The truth about dark circles

    The best beauty supplements

    Let's talk about depression and anxiety

    70 Member Comments

    ray_jay 21 Jun 2020 9:21 PM

    best to see a gp about this one

    Rosevulture 22 Oct 2017 4:44 PM

    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.

    Goddess..... 10 Jul 2017 1:53 AM

    Great article. I always keep my iron levels up no worries there on that.

    clearcrystalwater 3 Dec 2016 2:20 PM

    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.

    annieleex 4 Apr 2016 8:48 AM

    Great article

    Yohanna 4 Jan 2016 1:40 PM

    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

    Goldcat 10 Dec 2014 7:30 PM

    There are a lot of factors to consider if you are often tired.

    Yohanna 4 Jan 2016 1:35 PM

    Yes!true, it is not always lack of Fe

    Ms Jelena 28 Oct 2014 9:02 AM

    This was my issue last year - if you suspect it, check with your GP and make sure you eat iron rich foods!

    Linda_Vesinger 22 Oct 2014 5:51 AM

    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

    Petal 5 Oct 2014 1:12 PM

    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.

    MelissaFay89 20 Sep 2014 5:58 AM

    Ive been meaning to get my blood tested for a while now. I get plenty of sleep but am also feeling sick and tired

    Iman 15 Sep 2014 1:50 PM

    Great article.

    Joanne182 11 Sep 2014 2:26 AM

    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.

    kelleyley 7 Sep 2014 8:17 AM

    i found out i was iron and vitamin d deficient, had to take iron tablets daily and increase iron in my food/diet

    Ssajwani 5 Sep 2014 3:27 PM

    helpful tips

    Natalie123 5 Sep 2014 12:57 AM

    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!

    CrystalP 4 Sep 2014 9:38 AM

    I just went to the doctor yesterday to get my iron levels tested, because this is exactly how i feel!!!!!!!!!!

    Luna19 4 Sep 2014 7:43 AM

    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.

    bebeautiful34 4 Sep 2014 3:43 AM

    Yes, I do need more iron, as well as a whole plethora of other vitamins and minerals.. my diet is lacking!

    Vi 4 Sep 2014 2:13 AM

    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.

    Dreamy 3 Sep 2014 11:24 AM

    My iron level is not constant so need to pop supplement now & then.

    Dreamy 3 Sep 2014 11:23 AM

    My iron level is not constant so need to pop supplement now & then.

    Trish_D 3 Sep 2014 7:14 AM

    Anaemia need to be diagnosed correctly and diet isn't always a cause.

    Tiarna203 3 Sep 2014 6:49 AM

    Best get my sister to have a read of this!

    Pages

    You need to log in or become a member to post a comment.
    TOP