Iron Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Guide

What Is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It's one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the UK, particularly affecting women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness — feeling tired even after a full night's sleep
• Pale skin — a loss of the healthy colour in your skin, gums, or inner eyelids
• Shortness of breath — struggling with everyday activities
• Dizziness or headaches — particularly when standing up quickly
• Cold hands and feet — poor circulation due to reduced oxygen delivery
• Brittle nails and hair loss — iron plays a key role in hair and nail health
• Difficulty concentrating — brain fog and poor focus
• Heart palpitations — your heart working harder to compensate

Common Causes of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can be caused by a number of factors:

• Inadequate dietary intake — not eating enough iron-rich foods such as red meat, leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals
• Poor absorption — conditions like coeliac disease or Crohn's disease can impair iron absorption
• Blood loss — heavy periods, internal bleeding, or frequent blood donation
• Increased demand — pregnancy, breastfeeding, and rapid growth in children and teenagers
• Vegetarian or vegan diets — plant-based iron (non-haem iron) is less easily absorbed than iron from animal sources

How To Treat Iron Deficiency

Treatment depends on the severity of the deficiency. Mild to moderate cases can often be addressed through dietary changes and supplementation.

1. Eat More Iron-Rich Foods

Include more of the following in your diet:

• Red meat, poultry, and fish
• Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale
• Lentils, chickpeas, and beans
• Tofu and tempeh
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Pumpkin seeds and dried apricots

Tip: Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (e.g. orange juice, peppers) to boost absorption, and avoid tea or coffee with meals as tannins can inhibit iron uptake.

2. Take an Iron Supplement

If dietary changes alone aren't enough, a high-quality iron supplement can help restore your levels. We recommend:

Floradix Formula Liquid Iron & Vitamins 500ml

A popular and well-tolerated liquid iron supplement combining ferrous gluconate with vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and vitamin C to support iron absorption. Gentle on the stomach and free from artificial additives.

👉 Shop Floradix Liquid Iron 500ml

Floradix Iron & Vitamin 84 Tablets

A convenient tablet form of the trusted Floradix formula, ideal for those who prefer a tablet supplement. Contains iron alongside key B vitamins and vitamin C for optimal absorption.

👉 Shop Floradix Iron & Vitamin 84 Tablets

3. See Your GP

If you suspect you have iron deficiency anaemia, it's important to see your GP for a blood test to confirm your levels. In more severe cases, prescription-strength iron supplements or further investigation may be needed.

When To Seek Medical Advice

You should speak to a healthcare professional if you experience severe fatigue, chest pain, or shortness of breath, or if your symptoms don't improve after a few weeks of supplementation. Iron deficiency can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Final Thoughts

Iron deficiency is common but very treatable. With the right diet, lifestyle adjustments, and a quality supplement like Floradix, most people see a significant improvement in their energy levels and overall wellbeing within a few weeks.

Always consult your GP or pharmacist before starting a new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.