What Is Low Iron and How Can Iron Infusions Help?

Do you feel tired no matter how much you sleep? Struggle with dizziness, brain fog, or shortness of breath after even mild activity? These may be signs of low iron — a common but often overlooked cause of fatigue. At Sage Clinic, we see many patients whose quality of life has improved dramatically with IV iron infusions.

This article explains what low iron is, the symptoms to look for, how it’s diagnosed, and when an iron infusion might be the right treatment.

What Is Low Iron (Iron Deficiency)?

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough iron, your body can’t transport oxygen efficiently, leading to fatigue and reduced organ function.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, and it affects women more often than men. Some common causes include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding or recent childbirth
• Poor absorption due to conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s, or ulcerative colitis
• Gastrointestinal surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass)
• Chronic bleeding (such as ulcers or polyps)
• Diets low in iron-rich foods (especially if plant-based without careful planning)

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Low Iron?

Mild iron deficiency may go unnoticed, but as levels drop, symptoms become harder to ignore. However, it is still commonly missed by  healthcare practitioners. Common signs include:

• Constant fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin or brittle nails
• Brain fog or poor concentration
• Restless legs, especially at night
• Headaches or rapid heartbeat

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to seek medical advice and testing. Left untreated, iron deficiency can progress to anemia, affecting heart health, immunity, and long-term vitality.

How is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?

The only way to confirm low iron is through bloodwork. Common lab tests include:

• Ferritin — measures your body’s iron stores
• Hemoglobin (Hb) — measures red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity
• Transferrin saturation — indicates how much iron is available in your blood

At Sage Clinic, we review your lab results in detail and determine whether oral supplements, diet changes, or IV iron therapy is the most appropriate next step.

What are the Treatment Options for Low Iron

For some patients, dietary adjustments and oral iron supplements may be enough to restore levels. Heme iron (from meat, poultry, fish) is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron (from plants, beans, lentils). Pairing plant-based iron with vitamin C can improve absorption.

However, many people struggle with oral supplements due to side effects like nausea, constipation, or stomach pain. Others have underlying digestive issues that prevent proper absorption. In these cases, IV iron infusions are often the most effective solution.

How do Iron Infusions Work?

An iron infusion is an intravenous treatment that delivers iron directly into your bloodstream. This bypasses the digestive tract, allowing your body to absorb and use the iron immediately. In many cases, you only require one infusion to get your ferritin levels to optimized levels.

At Sage Clinic, the process is straightforward:

1. You relax in a comfortable chair while a small IV is placed in your arm.
2. A healthcare provider carefully monitors the infusion, which usually takes 30–60 minutes.
3. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to daily activities afterwards.

Iron infusions are especially helpful for:

• People with severe iron deficiency or anemia
• Patients who cannot tolerate oral iron
• Individuals with conditions like celiac disease, IBD, or chronic blood loss
• Pregnant or postpartum women with significant deficiency

Many patients notice improvements in energy, mood, and stamina within days to weeks after treatment.

What are the Benefits of Iron Infusions?

Compared to oral supplements, IV iron offers:

• Faster correction of iron deficiency
• Higher, more reliable absorption
• Reduced gastrointestinal side effects
• Long-lasting improvement (iron stores may remain stable for months)

Example: One of our young patients who struggled with fatigue and brain fog for many years, had a ferritin level of 7 but didn’t tolerate the oral supplements. She suffered  for years, had trouble concentrating at University, was tired all the time and had pulled away from activities she previously enjoyed. After receiving iron infusions, she reported feeling “like a new person” and was able to go back to doing the things she loved. 

What are the Risks and Side Effects of Iron Infusions?

IV iron is generally very safe, especially when administered in a clinical setting. Mild side effects can include:

• Temporary fatigue or headache
• Nausea
• Soreness at the IV site

Severe reactions are rare but can include allergic responses. At Sage Clinic, your infusion is monitored by licensed practitioners with protocols in place to ensure your safety.

How to Know if You Need an Iron Infusion?

Not everyone with low iron needs IV therapy. The decision depends on:

• Severity of deficiency (based on labs)
• Your symptoms and quality of life
• Tolerance of oral supplements
• Underlying health conditions

The best way to know is through consultation and testing. At Sage Clinic, we personalize treatment so you get the care that best supports your health and lifestyle.

 Final Takeaway

Iron deficiency is common, but it’s also treatable! It doesn’t have to hold you back. If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or other symptoms of low iron, it’s worth exploring whether IV iron therapy may help.

Book a consultation at Sage Clinic to learn more about iron testing and infusion therapy.  We’re now excited to be offering these treatments at all 4 of our locations.

References

1. Avni T, Grossman A, Leibovici L, Gafter-Gvili A. “The safety of intravenous iron preparations: systematic review and meta-analysis.”
   • Conclusion: IV iron is not associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) or infections compared to other treatments; however, infusion reactions occur more frequently. PubMed

2. Lucas S, et al. “Intravenous iron: an update.” (2024)
   • Notes: Modern IV iron formulations have an excellent overall safety profile, though known risks (skin staining, infusion reactions, hypophosphatemia) should be recognized. PubMed

3. DeLoughery TG. “Safety of Oral and Intravenous Iron.” (2019)
   • Key point: Oral iron is often poorly tolerated (GI side effects affect up to ~70% of users). True anaphylaxis with IV iron is very rare; complement-mediated infusion reactions may occur in ~1 in 200 patients. Earlier concerns about infections or cardiovascular risk with IV iron are generally unfounded. PubMed

4. Van Doren L, et al. “Expert consensus guidelines: Intravenous iron uses, formulations, administration, and management of reactions.” (2024)
   • What to use it for: Provides step-by-step clinical guidance on safe IV iron use, including monitoring, risk management, and handling infusion reactions/hypophosphatemia. PubMed

Sage Naturopathic Clinic was established in 2012 by Dr. Rahima Hirji, ND and has become a trusted name in the Kitchener-Waterloo community.  Now you can get iron infusions and other IV treatmemts in all 4 of our locations (in Oakville, Cambridge, Etobicoke and Kitchener),