Iron Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Fix It

When your body doesn’t have enough iron, a mineral essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Also known as iron-deficiency anemia, it’s one of the most common nutrient shortages worldwide—especially in women, kids, and older adults. You might feel worn out, dizzy, or short of breath, but many people ignore these signs until they’re seriously low. Iron isn’t just about energy—it’s tied to your immune system, brain function, and even your skin and nails.

What causes it? It’s rarely just "not eating enough meat." For women, heavy periods are the #1 reason. For others, it’s poor absorption from gut issues like celiac disease or long-term use of acid-reducing pills. Even eating iron-rich foods won’t help if your body can’t absorb it. ferritin levels, the stored form of iron in your body tell the real story—blood tests that only check hemoglobin often miss early drops. And while iron supplements, oral or IV forms used to restore depleted stores are common, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Some cause stomach pain, others don’t absorb well, and taking them with coffee or calcium can block them completely.

Fixing iron deficiency isn’t about popping pills and hoping for the best. It’s about matching the cause to the fix. If you’re losing blood, you need to stop it. If your gut won’t absorb iron, you might need injections. If you’re vegetarian, you need to pair plant-based iron with vitamin C to boost uptake. And no, spinach alone won’t cut it—your body absorbs less than 10% of the iron in plants compared to meat.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there. From how to tell if your pills are working to which foods actually raise your iron fast, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes, understand lab results, and spot when something more serious is going on—without guesswork.