Many people complain of irritability, drowsiness and reduced capacity for work without even considering that these symptoms may be a sign of iron deficiency in the blood. Unfortunately, such signals from the body are most often waved off and put down to tiredness or exhaustion. Anaemia develops slowly, so a person may not even suspect it for a long time. This condition is especially dangerous for pregnant and breastfeeding women, emphasises gynaecologist Robertas Pažėra. So both when ill and for prevention, it's essential to look after the amount of iron in the body.

How are iron stores lost?

The main causes of iron-deficiency anaemia are chronic bleeding, impaired iron absorption due to gastrointestinal diseases, and the body's inability to meet an increased need for iron during pregnancy, while breastfeeding a baby, during a period of growth or when exercising intensively. Gynaecologist Robertas Pažėra, who looks after women's sexual health, says that iron stores are a very important indicator of women's health. Many women face iron deficiency in the blood at various stages of life: during puberty, for example, while expecting a baby or while breastfeeding. Problems linked to chronic bleeding arise at an older age, during menopause. The doctor adds: “A condition not stopped in time turns into a draining illness that troubles women and affects their quality of life.”

The main source of iron – food.

Another common cause of anaemia is an inadequate diet. Foods rich in vitamin C help you absorb iron from food. It's not recommended to drink a lot of coffee, tea, milk or alcohol, as these drinks weaken iron absorption. Although iron is present in plant food too, iron of animal origin is absorbed better. According to research, 2–10% of iron is absorbed from vegetables, while from red meat it's as much as 20–40%. When meat is eaten with vegetables, iron is absorbed even better. So people following various diets or not eating meat should take iron preparations in addition.

Iron supplements have to be taken for a long time.

Iron supplements can help those suffering from iron deficiency or the anaemia it causes. It's important to know that the therapeutic effect of iron preparations appears after a few weeks or even months, and the body accumulates the necessary amount over at least three months. Even once blood indicators normalise, it's advised to keep taking iron for another 3–4 months.

The newest method – dripping iron preparations into a vein by infusion.

The newest way to replenish the body's iron stores and improve haemoglobin results is intravenous iron infusions, gynaecologist Robertas Pažėra says of this most advanced method, adding: “Studies have established that intravenously administered medications are the most advanced and effective, and treatment with them is significantly more effective and safer.” Intravenous iron preparations make it possible to completely compensate for an iron deficiency with 1–2 infusions. Intravenous iron preparations are bought at the pharmacy with a doctor's prescription, and the procedure itself is carried out at the clinic. The intravenous infusion procedure, during which iron is dripped in, is simple and painless. Under the supervision of a doctor and nurse, the patient is given as much iron as they lack. The procedure takes up to 1.5 hours.