Iron deficiency is common for women, especially those trying to conceive (1,2). Pregnancy can also further cause iron deficiency (3). In addressing this deficiency, a common strategy involves a broad application of iron supplementation. While iron supplements and dietary sources may work for some, other factors may contribute to the deficiency for others.
Symptoms of Low Iron:
Iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia may present as asymptomatic for some individuals. However, others may experience a range of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, irritability, hair loss, brittle nails, poor concentration, headaches, lightheadedness, chills, pallor, and chest pains (1,4,5).
Iron Deficiency and Infertility:
Low iron levels can significantly impact fertility by disrupting essential physiological processes vital for reproductive health (6). Iron is pivotal in producing hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells (6). Insufficient iron can lead to anemia, compromising the body's ability to transport oxygen efficiently (6). In the context of fertility, this can reduce oxygen supply to reproductive organs, affecting their optimal functioning (6). Moreover, iron deficiency has been associated with disruptions in hormonal balance, potentially influencing menstrual irregularities and ovulatory disorders (7). Adequate iron levels are essential for a healthy pregnancy, as they support the increased blood volume required to nourish both the mother and the developing fetus (7). Addressing low iron levels becomes imperative for individuals seeking to conceive, as it directly correlates with overall reproductive well-being and the potential for successful pregnancy outcomes.
Diagnosing Iron Deficiency:
In addressing low iron levels, the conventional method, reliant solely on a basic blood count, may inadequately diagnose anemia. We endorse a complete iron panel to understand iron status comprehensively. Exploring reference ranges for key iron markers provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of iron balance (8). Serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and serum ferritin have distinct ranges offering valuable insights (8). Understanding the volatility of isolated iron markers and their interplay becomes crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, considering thyroid markers is vital, as poor iron deficiency or turnover can disrupt thyroid function (7).
Root Causes of Low Iron:
The key to effective intervention is unveiling the causes of low iron levels. Given iron's pivotal role in countless bodily processes, it becomes imperative to delve into the intricacies of its deficiency. Beyond the apparent trigger of blood loss, often stemming from heavy menstrual bleeding and standing as a prevalent cause of iron deficiency and anemia, subtler factors come into play (9). A copper deficiency, for instance, can masquerade as an iron deficiency in lab results, underscoring the intricate interplay of nutrients in our system (10). Copper's essential role in converting iron into a transportable form throughout the body accentuates the importance of recognizing these multifaceted nutrient interactions (10). Moreover, the gut emerges as a pivotal player in iron absorption. Factors such as a lack of stomach acid, dysbiosis, or the presence of H. pylori bacteria can impede iron absorption (11). Addressing underlying causes that contribute to low iron levels is paramount.
Elevate Your Iron Levels:
Elevating your iron levels involves a multifaceted approach to optimize absorption and address potential deficiencies. Firstly, understanding the distinction between heme and nonheme iron is important; heme iron, prevalent in animal foods like meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs, is more readily absorbed by our bodies, while nonheme iron, found in legumes, whole grains, and dark leafy greens, has lower bioavailability (12). To address iron deficiency, improve your diet's iron content (12). Integrating vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy greens, peppers, and berries into your diet enhances iron absorption (12). Focusing on gut health, specifically with prebiotics like galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides, can improve iron utilization (13). When considering supplementation, it's imperative to seek guidance from an experienced practitioner to ensure safe and effective usage. Moreover, be mindful of certain medications, foods, and drinks that can impact iron absorption; for instance, excessive turmeric supplementation may deplete iron stores (14). Collectively embracing these strategies can pave the way for a comprehensive and practical approach to enhancing iron levels.
Closing Thoughts:
In conclusion, addressing anemia while trying to conceive requires a comprehensive understanding of low iron-level complexities. From recognizing symptoms to exploring the multifaceted causes, navigating these factors with a healthcare professional for effective intervention is crucial. For a deeper delve into iron deficiency, consider listening to episode 429 of the Fab Fertile Podcast for more valuable insights from our founder, Sarah Clark, and clinical advisor, Katy Bradbury.
Iron deficiency is common for women, especially those trying to conceive (1,2). Pregnancy can also further cause iron deficiency (3). In addressing this deficiency, a common strategy involves a broad application of iron supplementation. While iron supplements and dietary sources may work for some, other factors may contribute to the deficiency for others.
Symptoms of Low Iron:
Iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia may present as asymptomatic for some individuals. However, others may experience a range of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, irritability, hair loss, brittle nails, poor concentration, headaches, lightheadedness, chills, pallor, and chest pains (1,4,5).
Iron Deficiency and Infertility:
Low iron levels can significantly impact fertility by disrupting essential physiological processes vital for reproductive health (6). Iron is pivotal in producing hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells (6). Insufficient iron can lead to anemia, compromising the body's ability to transport oxygen efficiently (6). In the context of fertility, this can reduce oxygen supply to reproductive organs, affecting their optimal functioning (6). Moreover, iron deficiency has been associated with disruptions in hormonal balance, potentially influencing menstrual irregularities and ovulatory disorders (7). Adequate iron levels are essential for a healthy pregnancy, as they support the increased blood volume required to nourish both the mother and the developing fetus (7). Addressing low iron levels becomes imperative for individuals seeking to conceive, as it directly correlates with overall reproductive well-being and the potential for successful pregnancy outcomes.
Diagnosing Iron Deficiency:
In addressing low iron levels, the conventional method, reliant solely on a basic blood count, may inadequately diagnose anemia. We endorse a complete iron panel to understand iron status comprehensively. Exploring reference ranges for key iron markers provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of iron balance (8). Serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and serum ferritin have distinct ranges offering valuable insights (8). Understanding the volatility of isolated iron markers and their interplay becomes crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, considering thyroid markers is vital, as poor iron deficiency or turnover can disrupt thyroid function (7).
Root Causes of Low Iron:
The key to effective intervention is unveiling the causes of low iron levels. Given iron's pivotal role in countless bodily processes, it becomes imperative to delve into the intricacies of its deficiency. Beyond the apparent trigger of blood loss, often stemming from heavy menstrual bleeding and standing as a prevalent cause of iron deficiency and anemia, subtler factors come into play (9). A copper deficiency, for instance, can masquerade as an iron deficiency in lab results, underscoring the intricate interplay of nutrients in our system (10). Copper's essential role in converting iron into a transportable form throughout the body accentuates the importance of recognizing these multifaceted nutrient interactions (10). Moreover, the gut emerges as a pivotal player in iron absorption. Factors such as a lack of stomach acid, dysbiosis, or the presence of H. pylori bacteria can impede iron absorption (11). Addressing underlying causes that contribute to low iron levels is paramount.
Elevate Your Iron Levels:
Elevating your iron levels involves a multifaceted approach to optimize absorption and address potential deficiencies. Firstly, understanding the distinction between heme and nonheme iron is important; heme iron, prevalent in animal foods like meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs, is more readily absorbed by our bodies, while nonheme iron, found in legumes, whole grains, and dark leafy greens, has lower bioavailability (12). To address iron deficiency, improve your diet's iron content (12). Integrating vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy greens, peppers, and berries into your diet enhances iron absorption (12). Focusing on gut health, specifically with prebiotics like galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides, can improve iron utilization (13). When considering supplementation, it's imperative to seek guidance from an experienced practitioner to ensure safe and effective usage. Moreover, be mindful of certain medications, foods, and drinks that can impact iron absorption; for instance, excessive turmeric supplementation may deplete iron stores (14). Collectively embracing these strategies can pave the way for a comprehensive and practical approach to enhancing iron levels.
Closing Thoughts:
In conclusion, addressing anemia while trying to conceive requires a comprehensive understanding of low iron-level complexities. From recognizing symptoms to exploring the multifaceted causes, navigating these factors with a healthcare professional for effective intervention is crucial. For a deeper delve into iron deficiency, consider listening to episode 429 of the Fab Fertile Podcast for more valuable insights from our founder, Sarah Clark, and clinical advisor, Katy Bradbury.
Let’s connect and talk more about how the Fab Fertile Program could help you and your partner achieve pregnancy success! Book your free 15 minute call here.
References:
- Percy, L., Mansour, D., & Fraser, I. (2017). Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in women.Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology, 40, 55–67.
- Holzer, I., Ott, J., Beitl, K., Mayrhofer, D., Heinzl, F., Ebenbauer, J., & Parry, J. P. (2023). Iron status in women with infertility and controls: a case-control study. Frontiers in endocrinology, 14, 1173100.
- Georgieff M. K. (2020). Iron deficiency in pregnancy.American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 223(4), 516–524.
- Freeman, A. M., Rai, M., & Morando, D. W. (2023). Anemia Screening. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Fawcett, R. S., Linford, S., & Stulberg, D. L. (2004). Nail abnormalities: clues to systemic disease. American family physician, 69(6), 1417–1424.
- Petraglia, F., & Dolmans, M. M. (2022). Iron deficiency anemia: Impact on women's reproductive health. Fertility and sterility, 118(4), 605–606.
- Moreno-Reyes, R., Corvilain, B., Daelemans, C., Wolff, F., Fuentes Peña, C., & Vandevijvere, S. (2021). Iron Deficiency Is a Risk Factor for Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy: A Population-Based Study in Belgium. Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association, 31(12), 1868–1877.
- Short, M. W., & Domagalski, J. E. (2013). Iron deficiency anemia: evaluation and management. American family physician, 87(2), 98–104.
- D'Angelo G. (2016). Copper deficiency mimicking myelodysplastic syndrome.Blood research, 51(4), 217–219.
- Munro M. G. (2023). Heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia: Framing the issue.International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 162 Suppl 2, 7–13.
- Moustarah, F., & Daley, S. F. (2022). Dietary Iron. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Li, N., Zhao, G., Wu, W., Zhang, M., Liu, W., Chen, Q., & Wang, X. (2020). The Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin C for Iron Supplementation in Adult Patients With Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA network open, 3(11), e2023644.
- Husmann, F. M. D., Zimmermann, M. B., & Herter-Aeberli, I. (2022). The Effect of Prebiotics on Human Iron Absorption: A Review. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 13(6), 2296–2304.
- Smith, T. J., & Ashar, B. H. (2019). Iron Deficiency Anemia Due to High-dose Turmeric.Cureus, 11(1), e3858.
