What Blood Tests Should You Ask For If You Think You Have Iron Deficiency?

If you've ever Googled symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, hair shedding, dizziness, or feeling cold all the time, chances are you've come across iron deficiency. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, yet it is also one of the most underdiagnosed conditions. 

So, if you’ve been getting a hunch that you might have low iron levels and are struggling to decide what you should do next, or maybe you’ve booked your doctor’s appointment and need some guidance on what to expect, or perhaps you’re a little overwhelmed by all the medical information regarding iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get a proper diagnosis. 

Let’s get started!

 

What is Iron Deficiency & Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency means your body's iron stores have become depleted or are running low. At this stage, you may begin experiencing symptoms like:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Hair shedding

• Difficulty concentrating

• Restless legs

• Feeling cold constantly

• Reduced exercise performance

If iron deficiency isn't corrected, it can eventually progress to iron deficiency anemia (IDA), where your body no longer has enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.

This is why someone can experience symptoms of iron deficiency before they meet the criteria for IDA.

If you develop iron deficiency anemia, you may experience intensified iron deficiency symptoms, and additional symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Heart palpitations

• Pallor (pale skin)

• Brittle nails

How is Iron Deficiency & Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?

If you suspect low iron, getting a blood test is an important first step. Because these symptoms can have many causes, it is best to avoid self-diagnosing and discuss your health concerns with your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your wellness routine. And since iron deficiency is treatable with early detection, it is best to take action as soon as possible. 

 

What are the Tests for Iron Deficiency & Iron Deficiency Anemia?

If your doctor suspects that you might have iron deficiency, the initial laboratory test that they’ll typically order is a serum ferritin test to measure your iron stores. And, depending on your results and your medical history, they might order any of the following:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Iron deficiency anemia happens when your hemoglobin production is affected. This will help determine if there’s been changes to your hemoglobin production, and help to diagnose for IDA. If your hemoglobin levels are low, this could mean that you might have iron deficiency anemia.
• Iron Panel: This includes a multitude of tests to help paint a full picture of what is going on in your body.
  • • Serum Iron: This will measure the amount of iron circulating in your bloodstream. A low number could mean there isn’t a lot of iron going around the body, and you could have ID or IDA. A high number could mean you have a different type of anemia.
    • Transferrin or Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): This will estimate how much iron the protein in your blood, “transferrin”, can carry. If iron stores are low, the body will produce more transferrin, which can increase TIBC. A low result or a result within range, could point to a different condition.
    • Transferrin Saturation (TSAT): This will measure how much iron is being carried around by the transferrin proteins. If it is low, it could suggest that there isn’t much iron available for your body to use. This test is commonly requested for individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions. 
    • Iron Saturation: In some cases of iron deficiency, a blood slide will show low white blood cells and a high platelet count. 

However, it is important to note that the values for these markers can be influenced by many factors including time of day, meals, illness, and inflammation. Your healthcare provider can help you best interpret your results based on your medical history and, when appropriate, will request additional tests to help achieve a proper diagnosis.

 

What if You Are Diagnosed with Iron Deficiency or Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Worry not, there are a multitude of treatments available! Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your deficiency.

Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following:

• Dietary changes: Including more iron-rich foods in your diet such as lean red meat, beans, lentils, tofu, pumpkin seeds and dark leafy greens, and pairing plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods to improve iron absorption.
• Iron fortification: Incorporating additional dietary iron through iron fortification methods, such as cooking with cast iron cookware or cooking with an evidence-based iron fortification tool like the Lucky Iron Fish or Lucky Iron Leaf.
• Iron Supplements and Pills: Oral iron supplements are a common treatment for iron deficiency. Choosing an oral iron supplement with a gentler dose, like Lucky Iron Daily, can help you avoid side effects.
• Intravenous (IV) Iron: If your iron levels are very low or you’re having difficulty with other iron boosting treatments, an IV iron infusion may be advised. 

 

Bottom Line

When it comes to deficiencies, early detection is key! If you think you may have low iron levels, don’t be afraid to get tested! And, if you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, follow your doctor’s recommendations as soon as possible to start feeling like yourself again!

Sources:

American Society of Hematology: Iron deficiency anemia

National Library of Medicine: Iron deficiency without anemia: a diagnosis that matters