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    Are low iron levels the reason you're always tired?

    Updated:28 Apr 2016 11:29 AM | Posted by
    bh's Rosemary Taber's picture
    bh's Rosemary Taber
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    We all feel tired now and then, but if you’re feeling exhausted all the time then you could be dealing with a bigger health issue than a simple good night’s sleep could fix.

    Studies have found that the diet of over 70 per cent of Australian women aged 25 to 55 years old are deficient in iron, with low iron levels considered the single most common cause of fatigue in women.

    So if you’re feeling under the weather, read on to find out the best way to boost not only your iron levels, but also your energy.
     

    Causes of low iron levels

    Australian women require up to 18mg of iron in their diet per day, but most women consume less than 10mg. Although, it’s not only our diets that can contribute to low iron levels – other factors include overconsumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, stress, regular exercise, menstruation, pregnancy, breast feeding, and a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
     

    Symptoms of low iron levels

    Feeling fatigued isn’t the only sign that you’re body might be lacking iron. Other symptoms include poor performance at work, low immunity, headaches, loss of appetite, feeling weak, dark circles under eyes, hair loss, and brittle and thin nails. If you think you might be iron deficient, it’s important to visit your doctor for a professional diagnosis.
     

    Boost your iron levels with iron-rich food

    To prevent iron deficiency and boost your iron levels, fill your diet with foods bursting with body-loving iron including red meat, beans, lentils, chickpeas, dark leafy greens, egg yolks, turkey, and dried fruit.
     

    Pop iron supplements daily

    Taken daily, iron supplements are an effective way of restoring energy and boosting depleted iron levels. Available in tablet and liquid form, take your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice as it contains vitamin C, which is great for ensuring maximum absorbtion.

    Supplements to try:
    Swisse Ultiboost Liquid Iron, $19.95, 200mL, www.swisse.com/au
    Blackmores Bio Iron, $18.99, 80 tablets, www.blackmores.com.au
    FAB IRON + Vitamin B Complex, $12.95, 30 tablets, www.fabiron.com.au

    Do you feel fatigued all the time? Have you ever suffered from low iron levels?

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    70 Member Comments

    Ssajwani 3 Sep 2014 6:27 AM

    helpful tips

    Tabitha Amy 3 Sep 2014 4:57 AM

    I have just been diagnosed with Ameamia and have to undergo further testing... wish I had an easy fix!

    Evanescencessy 3 Sep 2014 2:15 AM

    I have regular blood test - every 6 months to make sure everything is okay.

    Jessica712 3 Sep 2014 1:36 AM

    I do feel fatigued and I think its due to my iron levels.

    moonbaby54 2 Sep 2014 3:57 PM

    Not sure if it is enough iron, but the Swisse Hair Skin and Nails supplement I take has iron listed on the label. I must look into this.

    bmill229 2 Sep 2014 2:14 PM

    I take iron tablets for over two months now and I feel great. I take Bio Source.

    Claire88 2 Sep 2014 1:05 PM

    I feel fatigued a lot, but this probably from chasing my 4 year old around and not due to iron levels.

    Temporary Princess 2 Sep 2014 12:22 PM

    I do occasionally - supplements are sometimes a necessity.

    Jacquelinee 2 Sep 2014 11:05 AM

    I feel tired all the time bc I don't sleep, haha usual time for sleep is 3am then I'll be up at 7.50am for school hehe. I know, it's terrible.

    Homestead99 (not verified) 2 Sep 2014 10:21 AM

    Hawaiin Spiriluna and Hawaiin Superfoods supplies nutrients that are lacking in most of diets. Spirulina has 300% more calcium than whole milk Spirulina has 2300% more iron than spinach Spirulina has 3900% more beta carotene than carrots Spirulina has 375% more protein than tofu

    I've been using Hawaiin Spiriluna & Supefoods for years.. love them!

    You can find out more here on this link: http://spirulina.greennutritionals.com.au/

    Beckky 2 Sep 2014 10:20 AM

    Oh dear, sounds awful :(

    jatz 2 Sep 2014 9:58 AM

    My iron levels are always a bit low because I can't eat leafy green vegetables due to medication and then some green vegetables I cannot eat because they contain sulphur. So I have to eat meat and eggs. I also thankfully take some Magnesium tablets every day. Am always having to have blood tests to keep checking on everything.

    Tee631 2 Sep 2014 9:50 AM

    hmmm i was told to consumer a lot of red meat, like beef

    Truth 2 Sep 2014 9:42 AM

    I am feeling alot on the tired side lately, so over feeling tired all the time :(

    GoddessMagick 2 Sep 2014 9:20 AM

    Low iron is never good, glad to see some food suggestions and supplements here. I agree with Gofton that magnesium is another thing many people lack and don't realise.

    Ellelily 2 Sep 2014 8:54 AM

    I get tired and was worried but my last round of blood tests showed my Iron was fine just low in Vitamin D

    Miss_Lee 2 Sep 2014 8:37 AM

    I eat quite well but my iron levels usually hang around the low level but iron supplements tend to upset my stomach.

    misfortune8 2 Sep 2014 7:46 AM

    My doctor put me on iron tablets & warned me they MIGHT make me a little bound up, if so to take Metamucil. Understatement of the century! I thought somebody cemented me shut in my sleep! Q: Did you hear about the constipated mathematician? A: He finally worked it out with a pencil!

    IndieAna 2 Sep 2014 5:51 AM

    I recently had my iron levels checked, and they are fine :)

    Miss19 2 Sep 2014 5:48 AM

    I have been anaemic most of my life so I constantly try to incorporate iron not only in my diet but by taking iron tablets as well.

    Pam_Grills 2 Sep 2014 5:38 AM

    Oh dear I have several of the signs identified with an iron defeciency, just might have to check in with my doctor, best to be safe than sorry or sick:))

    Jenniqua 2 Sep 2014 4:40 AM

    I feel fatigued a lot but I think it is more due to my lifestyle than lack of iron.

    ErinHunt 2 Sep 2014 4:33 AM

    I only had blood taken 2 weeks ago cause i had been feeling generally awful... resulting in my GP ringing me saying I was severely anaemic. I eat well balanced diet etc.there seemed to be no particular reason for it so may need some further testing. I have been on iron supplements from the health food store and I am starting to feel like me again yeyyy.... def go get it checked.

    Mellyjane 2 Sep 2014 4:23 AM

    I found out I was both iron AND iodine deficient, which is more common than you think. My doctor put me on a pre-natal vitamin of folate/iodine which did the trick - and I don't get pre-menstrual pain any more either.

    Kassalee 2 Sep 2014 4:09 AM

    I've had none of these symptoms but have after recent blood tests, told I have iron deficiency. It is important you see a GP as iron deficiency can be a symptom of something else and I've been referred for further testing to rule out other possibilities as well as being put on Iron tablets. My iron deficiency was picked up by the Blood Bank when my hB level was too low for blood donation - they do further testing for stored iron levels - hence my trip to my GP after these results.
    Donating blood is a great way to get a regular health check - my husbands high blood pressure was picked up this way.

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