Iron Deficiency Blood Test

Iron is an essential mineral that's key to your health. You need it to make your red blood cells and for a strong immune system. But iron deficiency is really common.

To check for iron deficiency we measure a marker in your blood called ferritin.

It's useful to check for iron deficiency if you're feeling tired or run-down or if you're in one of the higher risk groups.

Some of us are at particularly high risk of iron deficiency:

• People on plant-based diets: one of the main sources of iron is meat. If you eat little or no meat you're at high risk of deficiency.
• Women before the menopause: losing iron with your monthly cycle can often lead to iron deficiency - particularly if periods are heavy.

Low iron can have no symptoms at all or can cause symptoms such as:

• tiredness and fatigue
• shortness of breath, particularly on exertion
• being prone to infections
• hair loss
• brittle nails
• sore mouth

The common causes of iron deficiency include:

• Not getting enough iron in your diet — e.g. being on a plant-based diet.
• Blood loss — e.g. heavy periods or bleeding from the bowel (which can be a sign of bowel cancer).
• Increased needs — e.g. pregnancy and breastfeeding, teenage growth spurts and endurance training can all raise your iron requirements.
• Poor absorption — conditions like coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease and low stomach acid/long-term acid-suppressing medicines can reduce iron uptake.