An iron infusion is a medical procedure in which iron is delivered to your body intravenously. The procedure is performed to increase the amount of iron in your body, prevent iron deficiency anaemia, or treat iron deficiency anaemia if it’s severe, not responsive to oral iron supplements, or if you’re unable to take oral iron.
Benefits of an iron infusion may include:
- Rapid iron replenishment: Iron infusions allow for a rapid and efficient increase in iron levels in the body. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have difficulty absorbing iron through oral supplementation or have severe iron deficiency that requires immediate correction.
- Improved energy levels: Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues and organs. By replenishing iron stores, an iron infusion can help increase haemoglobin levels, leading to improved oxygenation and enhanced energy levels.
- Symptom relief: Iron deficiency anaemia often presents with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin. Iron infusion can help alleviate these symptoms by addressing the underlying cause of the anaemia and improving the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Avoidance of side effects of oral iron supplements: Oral iron supplementation is a common treatment for iron deficiency, but it can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, and stomach upset. Iron infusion bypasses the digestive system, minimizing the risk of these side effects.
