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Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by lack of iron, often because of blood loss or pregnancy. It’s treated with iron tablets and by eating iron-rich foods.

Symptoms

Blood tests for iron deficiency anaemia

The GP will usually order a full blood count (FBC) test. This will find out if the number of red blood cells you have (your red blood cell count) is normal.

You do not need to do anything to prepare for this test.

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. There are other types, like vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, that the blood test will also check for.

Treatment

Once the reason you have iron deficiency anaemia has been found (for example, an ulcer or heavy periods) the GP will recommend treatment.

If the blood test shows your red blood cell count is low, iron tablets will be recommended to replace the iron that’s missing from your body.

You’ll need to take them for about 6 months. Drinking orange juice after you’ve taken a tablet may help your body absorb the iron.

Follow the GP’s advice about how to take iron tablets.

Some people get side effects when taking iron tablets like:

  • constipation or diarrhoea
  • tummy pain
  • heartburn
  • feeling sick
  • darker than usual poo

Try taking the tablets with or soon after food to reduce the chance of side effects.

It’s important to keep taking the tablets, even if you get side effects.

Your GP may carry out repeat blood tests over the next few months to check that your iron level is getting back to normal.

Things you can do to help with iron deficiency anaemia

If your diet is partly causing your iron deficiency anaemia, your GP will tell you what foods are rich in iron so you can eat more of them.

Eat more:

  • dark-green leafy vegetables like watercress and curly kale
  • cereals and bread with extra iron in them (fortified)
  • meat
  • dried fruit like apricots, prunes and raisins
  • pulses (beans, peas and lentils)

Eat and drink less:

  • tea
  • coffee
  • milk and dairy
  • foods with high levels of phytic acid, such as wholegrain cereals, which can stop your body absorbing iron from other foods and tablets

Large amounts of these foods and drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.

You might be referred to a specialist dietitian if you’re finding it hard to include iron in your diet.