Iron is an essential mineral your body utilizes to produce hemoglobin—a protein constituent of red blood cells that makes oxygen transport to the rest of your body possible. Your body cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin if you lack sufficient iron in your body, that leaves you feeling lethargic and breathless. For them, oral iron supplements are treatment priority number one, but they recover too slowly and won’t act quickly enough. That is where IV iron therapy steps in.
We describe below why and how iron deficiency develops, how IV iron therapy works, and why IV iron therapy is a superior treatment for others.
What is Iron Deficiency
When your body lacks enough iron to operate, you have an iron deficiency. It’s the global most common nutrient deficiency and can occur in any individual at any age but mainly childbearing women, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
Most common reasons for iron deficiency:
- Insufficient iron in diet
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Chronic illness such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or cancer
- Surgical or traumatic blood loss
- Malabsorption syndromes (e.g., gastric bypass surgery, celiac disease)
Iron Deficiency Symptoms
Iron deficiency is the cause of many symptoms, some of which are ignored or blamed on other diseases. If you notice any of the following, perhaps it is time to visit a healthcare provider:
- Fatigue or chronic fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Yellow or pale color
- Cold hands or feet
- Headaches
- Palpitation or chest pain
- Failure to focus correctly
What is IV Iron Therapy
IV (intravenous) iron infusion is where the iron is actually delivered into the bloodstream through a vein. It results in more effective and faster absorption compared to iron taken orally. IV iron is not metabolized in the stomach and intestines and is therefore an excellent option for patients that cannot absorb or tolerate oral iron.
How It Works
An IV line will be inserted into a vein by a medical doctor or nurse, likely in your arm, and an iron order will be prescribed over time—often.Depending on the type of iron medication being given, it may take anywhere from fifteen minutes to several hours. The treatments may have to be done in repetition as a series of infusions, but some may give the whole dose required all at once.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Iron Therapy?
IV iron therapy is best for people who:
- Cannot take oral iron medications because of side effects such as constipation, nausea, or belly pain
- Have celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other gastrointestinal conditions that prevent the absorption of iron
Have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or receive dialysis?
Have had excessive blood loss following surgery, trauma, or childbirth fail to take oral therapy for sufficient iron as they are pregnant.Have definite iron deficiency anemia and need urgent refilling
Advantages of IV Iron Therapy
1. Quick Results
Whereas oral iron takes weeks or months to increase iron, IV iron treatment measures improvement in energy, strength, and overall sense of being in a week or even less. That is particularly necessary for those with extreme symptoms or in case of surgery.
2. Improved Absorption
Iron oral depends on the absorption of the intestine, which can be impaired by numerous conditions. IV iron circumvents the gastrointestinal tract entirely and permits your body to absorb all of the iron it must have.
3. Less Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Constipation, abdominal discomfort, and nausea are some of the biggest adverse effects of oral iron. IV iron circumvents or minimizes these side effects, so it’s less difficult for the majority of patients.
4. Convenience and Reduced Doses
Some IV iron infusions are a single or double infusion to restore iron stores—rather than daily tablets for months. That enhances therapy compliance and requires less time.
5. Effective in Chronic Disorders
IV iron is typically the first line of treatment for patients with chronic disease such as cancer, kidney disease, or heart disease in which inflammation is making the body unable to properly absorb oral iron.
What to Expect Before, During, and After IV Iron Therapy
Before the Infusion:
Your physician will probably conduct blood work to check your level of iron and ensure that IV therapy is needed. He or she will also check your medical history to prevent any complications.
During the Infusion:
The procedure is usually done in a clinic or hospital setting. While the IV has been placed, you are going to be lying down or sitting back. During the infusion, a majority of patients report little to no discomfort.
After the Infusion:
You may be tested for a short time to ensure that there are no side effects. There are some patients who induce mild side effects such as headache, muscle aches, or change in taste for some duration of time, but it is very rare to have serious complications.
Are There Any Risks?
IV iron therapy is safe in most cases, but these are some of the possible risks to keep in mind:
- Allergic reaction, very rare but severe anaphylaxis
- Low blood pressure during or after infusion
- Transient metallic taste in mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- Injection site discomfort
Side effects are minimized if IV iron therapy is given in a professional setting under control.
Is IV Iron Therapy Right for You?
If you have a diagnosed iron deficiency and oral supplements aren’t doing anything, or if you’re intolerant to them, then IV iron therapy is the answer. Make sure you get treated by a specialist practitioner who will assess your symptoms, make proper recommendations for tests, and prescribe the right prescription for your needs.
Conclusion
Iron deficiency actually gets in the way of your energy, mood, and overall health. While oral supplements are surefire for anyone, they’re intolerable and less effective. IV iron therapy offers you a quick, effective, and potentially less painful method of re-supplying your body’s iron levels.