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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

    Roxymisha 2 Sep 2014 3:58 AM

    Yes, I have in the past. In fact, I have to have a blood test as my doctor wants to check my iron levels as well as other things.

    dream-angels 2 Sep 2014 3:53 AM

    yup been told twice that my iron levels are low by the doc, however I take the pills for a week and then forget to take them until I go see the doc again.. I'm trying to boost my intake from food instead though

    moonflowerlily@outook.com 2 Sep 2014 2:20 AM

    I've had low iron for years, same with my mum and my siblings. I try to take iron tablets daily, I feel tired often :( I know caffeine is probably bad but it gives me a burst of energy every morning.

    Anitas Artistry 2 Sep 2014 1:38 AM

    Great info here, I'm iron deficient and this has reminded me to get some more iron in to me!

    Eileen86 2 Sep 2014 1:24 AM

    I probably shouldnt drink so much coffee. But... it is yummy :(

    Seezora 2 Sep 2014 1:18 AM

    As Gofton said, Magnesium is also very important. You want to get your GP to check your iron and magnesium levels, as too much iron is also not a good thing.

    Belle88 2 Sep 2014 1:16 AM

    I used to be borderline anaemic but thankfully my iron levels restored years later and now I feel so.much better.

    clearcrystalwater 2 Sep 2014 1:09 AM

    Thankfully my iron levels are always good.

    Joole 2 Sep 2014 12:50 AM

    My mom suffers from this but I think the reason why I feel tired these days is because of lack of sleep

    Beautybabe140194 2 Sep 2014 12:30 AM

    Not sure if I am but a lot of the time I feel tired.

    Lucrecia629 2 Sep 2014 12:12 AM

    70% of Aussie women between 25 - 55 are lacking sufficient iron in their diets? Wow, that's a lot! I'd be very surprised if I was in the 70% (as I'm sure most of the 70% would be), but it's something to think about. Not just for myself but for my whole family since I'm doing the shopping and the cooking, so my food choices are their food choices. I dislike taking supplements, but it is extremely difficult planning meals that cater to varying tastes while still providing variety AND ticking all of the nutritional requirement boxes.

    Growing old 2 Sep 2014 12:06 AM

    Hmmm maybe that's my issue as I've been getting increasingly fatigued like total exhaustion with doing hardly anything. I used to eat really balanced and wouldn't have thought of iron but lately I've completely lost my appetite and can only stomach oats! Oats of all things. Just the thought of my normal food well I just don't feel like any of it. But last night I was thinking it's not right and my body will be feeling the lack of all the goodness it used to get. My dark circles have got worse also and I sleep 8-9 hours a night :( think I need to get checked.

    Rose_P 2 Sep 2014 12:00 AM

    I'm guessing I'm probably low on iron. I don't eat red meat because I can't stand it. I haven't had my levels checked for ages.

    Misy Rose 1 Sep 2014 11:45 PM

    Hmm... I'll have to check my iron levels, thanks for the reminder as well :)

    CherryBlossom 1 Sep 2014 11:29 PM

    I try to get my iron by eating green leafy veggies. But there's still an imbalance. I have to speak to my GP. Thanks for the reminder.

    Gofton 1 Sep 2014 10:56 PM

    Sometimes it's not Iron we need, but Magnesium, as our bodies don't produce it so we have to supplement it. I love Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium in powder or tablet form and also the best Iron supplement I find that doesn't cause constipation and is just superb is Spatone, it's in liquid sachets.

    talk-a-lot 1 Sep 2014 10:56 PM

    My iron levels seem to fluctuate. I try and keep up with the iron intake but sometimes I don't get it right.

    Pink Hornet 1 Sep 2014 10:43 PM

    So important to get your iron levels checked by your GP. Don't underestimate its importance. It makes such a difference when you get it sorted.

    maydayismyday 1 Sep 2014 10:38 PM

    I've always struggled with my iron levels and I'm permanently on supplements now :(

    Ellyloves 1 Sep 2014 10:05 PM

    I eat beef! Lots of it but I always feel tired for some reason.

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