Iron Infusions: A Quick Fix or Is There More to Consider?
Iron Infusions: A Quick Fix or Is There More to Consider?
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, particularly affecting women, vegetarians, and those with chronic health conditions (World Health Organization, 2020). When oral supplements aren’t effective or tolerated, iron infusions are often recommended as a rapid solution. While they provide clear benefits, it's important to consider potential side effects—and whether a holistic approach may offer a longer-term solution.
The Pros of Iron Infusions
Iron infusions bypass the digestive system, making them ideal for individuals with malabsorption issues (e.g., coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or post-bariatric surgery) or those who can’t tolerate oral iron due to gastrointestinal side effects (Auerbach & Adamson, 2016).
They can replenish iron stores quickly, and many patients experience improvements in fatigue, brain fog, and exercise tolerance within days (Scott et al., 2021). For people with moderate to severe iron-deficiency anaemia, this can significantly improve quality of life.
The Potential Downsides
However, there are risks associated with intravenous iron therapy.
There is growing awareness of the potential for oxidative stress. IV iron can lead to transient spikes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may contribute to inflammation and cellular damage in susceptible individuals (Toblli & Angerosa, 2014).
Inflammation is linked to worsening of overall health and increase risk of flare ups if you have existing medical conditions.
Skin staining—a form of permanent pigmentation caused by iron leakage at the infusion site—is a rare but well-documented complication (Rathnayake et al., 2021).
Why a Holistic Approach May Be Better Long-Term
Rather than relying solely on iron infusions, addressing the root causes of deficiency is essential. A holistic approach may include:
Iron-rich, whole-food nutrition (e.g., red meat, lentils, leafy greens)
Enhancing iron absorption with vitamin C-rich foods
Identifying and managing causes of blood loss or malabsorption
Supporting gut health to improve nutrient uptake
Working with The Nutrient Naturopath can help create a tailored plan that supports long-term wellness and may reduce the need for future infusions.
In Summary
Iron infusions are a valuable clinical tool—but they aren’t without drawbacks. Understanding both the benefits and risks allows for more informed decisions. A holistic, root-cause-focused approach may provide a more sustainable path toward restoring iron levels and overall vitality.
References
Auerbach, M., & Adamson, J. W. (2016). How we diagnose and treat iron deficiency anemia. American Journal of Hematology, 91(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajh.24201
Rathnayake, D., Sinclair, R., Kerr, P., & Green, A. R. (2021). Iron infusion‐induced skin staining: Case series and review of the literature. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 62(1), e69–e71. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.13512
Scott, B. J., Odame, I., & Walter, P. B. (2021). Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in the 21st century: Current issues and controversies. Seminars in Hematology, 58(3), 158–166. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.03.005
Toblli, J. E., & Angerosa, M. (2014). Oxidative stress and iron: A dangerous liaison in health and disease. Pharmacological Research, 89, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2014.07.013
World Health Organization. (2020). Anaemia. https://www.who.int/health-topics/anaemia
