Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Why It’s So Common and How to Treat It in the UK

Iron deficiency anaemia remains one of the most common nutritional and health challenges in the United Kingdom. Despite being highly preventable and treatable, thousands of people—especially women, children, and older adults—continue to struggle with its symptoms each year. According to the NHS, anaemia caused by iron deficiency affects around one in ten women of childbearing age in the UK, and yet many people are unaware of the signs until their health is significantly affected.

This article explores why iron deficiency anaemia is so widespread, its key signs, how it can be treated effectively, and the supportive role that modern healthcare services—such as an online GP, telehealth consultation, and even obtaining a medical certificate—play in managing the condition in today’s digital-first world.

What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around. In the specific case of iron deficiency anaemia, the problem arises because the body lacks iron, a vital mineral needed to make haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen). Without sufficient iron, your body struggles to create enough oxygen-carrying red cells, leaving you feeling weak, lethargic, and sometimes breathless.

Why Is Iron Deficiency Anaemia So Common in the UK?

There are several reasons iron deficiency remains a widespread issue:

1. Dietary Patterns

While the UK diet is diverse, many people consume less iron than recommended. Vegetarian and vegan diets, although healthy in many ways, can sometimes lack sufficient bioavailable iron unless carefully balanced with iron-rich plant-based sources. Additionally, young women and teenagers often miss out on iron in their diets at a critical time of growth and blood loss from monthly cycles.

2. Menstruation and Heavy Periods

Women of reproductive age are at greater risk of iron deficiency anaemia because of regular blood loss during menstruation. Conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which can cause heavier-than-average menstrual periods, make the issue much more prominent.

3. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women require much more iron than usual to support both mother and developing baby. If iron intake is insufficient, anaemia is common, potentially increasing risk of complications for both mother and child.

4. Gastrointestinal Issues

Medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption—such as Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, or gastritis—can reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron from foods. Long-term use of some medications, including antacids, can also impair iron uptake.

5. Blood Loss from Other Causes

In both men and women, gastrointestinal bleeding (from ulcers, haemorrhoids, or even bowel cancer) can result in hidden, chronic blood loss. In older adults especially, anaemia may be one of the first signs of a more serious underlying issue.

Recognising Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Because many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions, iron deficiency anaemia can often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. Common signs include:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness

• Pale or sallow skin

• Breathlessness even with mild exertion

• Dizziness or fainting spells

• Heart palpitations

• Brittle nails or hair loss

• Restless legs or tingling in the limbs

• Headaches or difficulty concentrating

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anaemia in the UK

Diagnosis typically involves simple blood tests ordered by a GP to check haemoglobin levels, red blood cell size, and stored iron in the body (ferritin levels).

Today, booking an online GP appointment makes this process easier than ever, especially for busy professionals or parents. Through an online telehealth consultation, doctors can assess your symptoms, arrange blood tests, and review results without you needing to visit a surgery in-person. For those requiring proof of their condition—for work absence or university attendance—your doctor may also provide a medical certificate to ensure you have proper documentation.

Treatment Options: How to Restore Iron Levels

The good news is that iron deficiency anaemia is usually very treatable once diagnosed. Management depends on the cause and severity:

1. Dietary Changes

Including more iron-rich foods is often the first step. Excellent sources of iron include:

• Red meat (beef, lamb, liver)

• Poultry and fish

• Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale

• Pulses, beans, and lentils

• Fortified cereals and grains
  Consuming vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits, peppers, and berries) alongside iron-containing meals can significantly enhance absorption.

2. Iron Supplements

In most cases, doctors will recommend iron tablets to help restore iron stores. These are usually taken daily for several months. Side effects like constipation or stomach upset are common but can often be managed by adjusting dosage or trying a different formulation.

3. Addressing Underlying Causes

If anaemia results from heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or another chronic illness, then treating that root cause is essential. For instance, referral to a gynaecologist or gastroenterologist may be required.

4. Intravenous Iron or Blood Transfusion

In severe or urgent cases, when deficiency needs rapid correction, intravenous iron (IV infusions) or blood transfusions may be considered in a hospital setting.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent Recurrence

• Balanced Diet: Aim to include lean meats, oily fish, beans, leafy greens, and fortified foods regularly.

• Smart Pairings: Remember that calcium (milk, cheese) and tea/coffee can inhibit iron absorption, while vitamin C improves it.

• Routine Check-ups: Especially important for women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and older adults. Blood tests every so often can catch anaemia early.

• Monitoring Chronic Conditions: If you have gut-related conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s, or coeliac disease, staying on top of nutritional blood work is vital to avoid deficiency.

The Role of Modern Healthcare Support in Managing Anaemia

The digital shift in healthcare has made managing conditions like iron deficiency significantly more convenient:

• Telehealth Consultation: Patients can discuss their symptoms, receive guidance, and arrange blood tests from the comfort of home. For many with fatigue and mobility issues caused by anaemia, this service can be a real lifeline.

• Online GP Services: From quick video or phone calls, an online GP can provide advice, write prescriptions for iron supplements if necessary, and arrange any referrals. Sometimes, they may even issue ongoing repeat prescriptions, making long-term management smoother.

• Medical Certificates: If anaemia is impacting school, university, or work attendance, a doctor—whether seen online or in person—can provide a medical certificate. This formal documentation ensures your absence is justified and allows employers or institutions to support you appropriately during recovery.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

While most cases of anaemia are manageable, there are times when symptoms demand immediate attention. Seek urgent help if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

• Fainting or feeling as though you are about to faint

• Severe fatigue interfering with daily life

These could be signs of severe anaemia or another associated health issue that requires rapid intervention.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health

Iron deficiency anaemia remains one of the most prevalent yet treatable health issues in the UK. Awareness of symptoms, routine testing, and early treatment can transform lives, restoring energy and preventing complications. By making use of available services—whether through your local GP practice or a convenient telehealth consultation—you can take proactive steps in managing and preventing recurrence.

Modern healthcare options like an online GP appointment and timely provision of a medical certificate ensure that your daily commitments are respected while you focus on recovery. The key message? Don’t ignore the early warning signs of iron deficiency. With professional guidance, a tailored treatment plan, and lifestyle adjustments, anaemia doesn’t have to hold you back.