Iron
Iron
Iron is a trace element, essential for important cell processes including producing haemoglobin and carrying oxygen in the blood.
Iron is a trace element, essential for important cell processes including producing haemoglobin and carrying oxygen in the blood.
Iron
Normal range
Normal range
5.8-34.5 umol/L
5.8-34.5 umol/L
Normal range
5.8-34.5 umol/L
5.8-34.5 umol/L
Normal range
Iron
Iron
Iron is a trace element, essential for important cell processes including producing haemoglobin and carrying oxygen in the blood.
Iron
Normal range
5.8-34.5 umol/L
Normal range
5.8-34.5 umol/L
5.8-34.5 umol/L
Normal range
Iron
Iron
Iron is a trace element, essential for important cell processes including producing haemoglobin and carrying oxygen in the blood.
Iron
Normal range
5.8-34.5 umol/L
Normal range
5.8-34.5 umol/L
5.8-34.5 umol/L
Normal range
Iron
Dr. Thiviya Sivakanthan
MBBS
The Essential Element
The Essential Element
Every cell in your body depends on iron to function properly. This vital mineral doesn't just help carry oxygen through your bloodstream—it's essential for energy production, brain function, and immune system strength. When iron levels are imbalanced, your entire body feels the effects, often in ways you might not immediately connect to this fundamental nutrient.
Iron is the cornerstone of haemoglobin production and cellular energy metabolism. Your body maintains a delicate balance, storing iron when abundant and mobilising reserves when needed. Think of iron as your body's energy currency—when levels are too low, you experience fatigue and weakness; when too high, excess iron becomes toxic, damaging vital organs through oxidative stress.
Every cell in your body depends on iron to function properly. This vital mineral doesn't just help carry oxygen through your bloodstream—it's essential for energy production, brain function, and immune system strength. When iron levels are imbalanced, your entire body feels the effects, often in ways you might not immediately connect to this fundamental nutrient.
Iron is the cornerstone of haemoglobin production and cellular energy metabolism. Your body maintains a delicate balance, storing iron when abundant and mobilising reserves when needed. Think of iron as your body's energy currency—when levels are too low, you experience fatigue and weakness; when too high, excess iron becomes toxic, damaging vital organs through oxidative stress.
When Iron Levels Are Out Of Balance
When Iron Levels Are Out Of Balance
When Iron Levels Are Out Of Balance
Discover why persistent fatigue or unexplained symptoms might be your body's way of signalling iron problems.
Read more
What Influences Iron Levels
What Influences Iron Levels
What Influences Iron Levels
From dietary choices to genetic conditions, learn the factors that can affect your body's iron balance.
Read more
When to Investigate Iron Status
When to Investigate Iron Status
When to Investigate Iron Status
Understanding which symptoms and risk factors warrant iron testing and specialist evaluation.
Read more
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Interpret what your iron levels mean for your energy and long-term health.
Read more
When Iron Levels Are Out Of Balance
Low iron levels (Iron deficiency)
Iron deficiency develops gradually as your body's iron stores become depleted. Initially, you may feel more tired than usual, experience cold hands and feet, or notice your exercise tolerance declining. As deficiency progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and can significantly impact daily life.
Symptoms include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, pale skin or nail beds, brittle nails, and sometimes hair thinning. You might also experience restless legs, difficulty concentrating, or feel short of breath during activities that previously felt manageable.
Iron deficiency anaemia represents the most advanced stage, where your body cannot produce adequate healthy red blood cells. At this point, symptoms intensify and may include rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, and weakness that interferes with normal activities.
High iron levels (Iron excess)
High iron levels (iron overload), while rare, can be problematic, as excess iron accumulates in organs and causes damage over time. You might feel fatigued, experience joint pain, or notice your skin taking on a bronze or gray tint. Other signs include abdominal pain, weakness, diabetes symptoms, heart problems, or liver issues.
High iron can result from genetic conditions like haemochromatosis (where your body absorbs too much iron), excessive iron supplements, or certain liver diseases.
When Iron Levels Are Out Of Balance
Low iron levels (Iron deficiency)
Iron deficiency develops gradually as your body's iron stores become depleted. Initially, you may feel more tired than usual, experience cold hands and feet, or notice your exercise tolerance declining. As deficiency progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and can significantly impact daily life.
Symptoms include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, pale skin or nail beds, brittle nails, and sometimes hair thinning. You might also experience restless legs, difficulty concentrating, or feel short of breath during activities that previously felt manageable.
Iron deficiency anaemia represents the most advanced stage, where your body cannot produce adequate healthy red blood cells. At this point, symptoms intensify and may include rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, and weakness that interferes with normal activities.
High iron levels (Iron excess)
High iron levels (iron overload), while rare, can be problematic, as excess iron accumulates in organs and causes damage over time. You might feel fatigued, experience joint pain, or notice your skin taking on a bronze or gray tint. Other signs include abdominal pain, weakness, diabetes symptoms, heart problems, or liver issues.
High iron can result from genetic conditions like haemochromatosis (where your body absorbs too much iron), excessive iron supplements, or certain liver diseases.
When Iron Levels Are Out Of Balance
Low iron levels (Iron deficiency)
Iron deficiency develops gradually as your body's iron stores become depleted. Initially, you may feel more tired than usual, experience cold hands and feet, or notice your exercise tolerance declining. As deficiency progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and can significantly impact daily life.
Symptoms include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, pale skin or nail beds, brittle nails, and sometimes hair thinning. You might also experience restless legs, difficulty concentrating, or feel short of breath during activities that previously felt manageable.
Iron deficiency anaemia represents the most advanced stage, where your body cannot produce adequate healthy red blood cells. At this point, symptoms intensify and may include rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, and weakness that interferes with normal activities.
High iron levels (Iron excess)
High iron levels (iron overload), while rare, can be problematic, as excess iron accumulates in organs and causes damage over time. You might feel fatigued, experience joint pain, or notice your skin taking on a bronze or gray tint. Other signs include abdominal pain, weakness, diabetes symptoms, heart problems, or liver issues.
High iron can result from genetic conditions like haemochromatosis (where your body absorbs too much iron), excessive iron supplements, or certain liver diseases.
What Influences Iron Levels
Causes of low iron: Inadequate dietary intake, particularly in vegetarian or vegan diets without proper iron sources, poor iron absorption due to coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel conditions, blood loss from heavy menstrual periods, cases of bleeding in the gut, pregnancy and breastfeeding demands, and certain medications including proton pump inhibitors that reduce iron absorption.
Causes of high iron: Hereditary haemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing excessive iron absorption), excessive iron supplementation, frequent blood transfusions, chronic liver disease, and regular consumption of iron-fortified foods combined with supplements.
Dietary Sources of Iron
Your body absorbs two types of iron differently: haem iron from animal sources (more easily absorbed) and non-haem iron from plant sources (absorption varies with other dietary factors).
Rich sources of haem iron: Red meat, liver, poultry, fish, and shellfish provide iron that your body readily absorbs. Even small portions of these foods can significantly contribute to daily iron intake.
Plant-based iron sources: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), fortified cereals, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, cashews), and quinoa provide non-haem iron.
Enhancing iron absorption: Consuming vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries) with iron-rich meals can significantly improve absorption of non-haem iron.
What Influences Iron Levels
Causes of low iron: Inadequate dietary intake, particularly in vegetarian or vegan diets without proper iron sources, poor iron absorption due to coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel conditions, blood loss from heavy menstrual periods, cases of bleeding in the gut, pregnancy and breastfeeding demands, and certain medications including proton pump inhibitors that reduce iron absorption.
Causes of high iron: Hereditary haemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing excessive iron absorption), excessive iron supplementation, frequent blood transfusions, chronic liver disease, and regular consumption of iron-fortified foods combined with supplements.
Dietary Sources of Iron
Your body absorbs two types of iron differently: haem iron from animal sources (more easily absorbed) and non-haem iron from plant sources (absorption varies with other dietary factors).
Rich sources of haem iron: Red meat, liver, poultry, fish, and shellfish provide iron that your body readily absorbs. Even small portions of these foods can significantly contribute to daily iron intake.
Plant-based iron sources: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), fortified cereals, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, cashews), and quinoa provide non-haem iron.
Enhancing iron absorption: Consuming vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries) with iron-rich meals can significantly improve absorption of non-haem iron.
What Influences Iron Levels
Causes of low iron: Inadequate dietary intake, particularly in vegetarian or vegan diets without proper iron sources, poor iron absorption due to coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel conditions, blood loss from heavy menstrual periods, cases of bleeding in the gut, pregnancy and breastfeeding demands, and certain medications including proton pump inhibitors that reduce iron absorption.
Causes of high iron: Hereditary haemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing excessive iron absorption), excessive iron supplementation, frequent blood transfusions, chronic liver disease, and regular consumption of iron-fortified foods combined with supplements.
Dietary Sources of Iron
Your body absorbs two types of iron differently: haem iron from animal sources (more easily absorbed) and non-haem iron from plant sources (absorption varies with other dietary factors).
Rich sources of haem iron: Red meat, liver, poultry, fish, and shellfish provide iron that your body readily absorbs. Even small portions of these foods can significantly contribute to daily iron intake.
Plant-based iron sources: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), fortified cereals, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, cashews), and quinoa provide non-haem iron.
Enhancing iron absorption: Consuming vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries) with iron-rich meals can significantly improve absorption of non-haem iron.
When to Investigate Iron Status
Iron levels are investigated when symptoms suggest imbalance or when risk factors are present. The clinical significance depends on the complete iron profile, not just serum iron alone. Complete iron studies typically include serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity to provide a comprehensive assessment of iron status.
If serum iron is elevated, transferrin saturation becomes particularly important—levels above 45% may suggest iron overload and warrant genetic testing for haemochromatosis. Ferritin levels help assess iron stores, though they can be elevated due to inflammation or liver disease, making interpretation more complex. Very high ferritin levels combined with elevated transferrin saturation strongly suggest iron overload requiring specialist evaluation.
When to Investigate Iron Status
Iron levels are investigated when symptoms suggest imbalance or when risk factors are present. The clinical significance depends on the complete iron profile, not just serum iron alone. Complete iron studies typically include serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity to provide a comprehensive assessment of iron status.
If serum iron is elevated, transferrin saturation becomes particularly important—levels above 45% may suggest iron overload and warrant genetic testing for haemochromatosis. Ferritin levels help assess iron stores, though they can be elevated due to inflammation or liver disease, making interpretation more complex. Very high ferritin levels combined with elevated transferrin saturation strongly suggest iron overload requiring specialist evaluation.
When to Investigate Iron Status
Iron levels are investigated when symptoms suggest imbalance or when risk factors are present. The clinical significance depends on the complete iron profile, not just serum iron alone. Complete iron studies typically include serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity to provide a comprehensive assessment of iron status.
If serum iron is elevated, transferrin saturation becomes particularly important—levels above 45% may suggest iron overload and warrant genetic testing for haemochromatosis. Ferritin levels help assess iron stores, though they can be elevated due to inflammation or liver disease, making interpretation more complex. Very high ferritin levels combined with elevated transferrin saturation strongly suggest iron overload requiring specialist evaluation.
Understanding Your Results
Iron levels are measured through a serum iron test. Normal ranges are:
Normal ranges: 5.8-34.5 μmol/L
Below normal ranges: Indicates iron deficiency
Above normal ranges: Suggests iron overload
The test provides information about the amount of iron circulating in your bloodstream at the time of testing. This test is often done alongside ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity to get a complete picture of your iron status.
Understanding Your Results
Iron levels are measured through a serum iron test. Normal ranges are:
Normal ranges: 5.8-34.5 μmol/L
Below normal ranges: Indicates iron deficiency
Above normal ranges: Suggests iron overload
The test provides information about the amount of iron circulating in your bloodstream at the time of testing. This test is often done alongside ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity to get a complete picture of your iron status.
Understanding Your Results
Iron levels are measured through a serum iron test. Normal ranges are:
Normal ranges: 5.8-34.5 μmol/L
Below normal ranges: Indicates iron deficiency
Above normal ranges: Suggests iron overload
The test provides information about the amount of iron circulating in your bloodstream at the time of testing. This test is often done alongside ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity to get a complete picture of your iron status.
The Takeaway
Iron balance is fundamental to your energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. Both deficiency and overload can cause significant symptoms, but they require different approaches to management and monitoring.
Iron deficiency typically responds well to dietary modification and appropriate supplementation, and in uncommon situations, investigation into underlying causes. Iron overload, particularly genetic haemochromatosis, requires careful monitoring and may need treatments like therapeutic phlebotomy to prevent organ damage.
Don't dismiss persistent fatigue as simply being busy or getting older. If you're experiencing unexplained tiredness or other symptoms that could indicate iron imbalance, particularly if you have risk factors like heavy periods, vegetarian diet, or family history of haemochromatosis, these warrant investigation.
A comprehensive iron study can reveal whether your symptoms are related to iron status and guide appropriate treatment.
The Takeaway
Iron balance is fundamental to your energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. Both deficiency and overload can cause significant symptoms, but they require different approaches to management and monitoring.
Iron deficiency typically responds well to dietary modification and appropriate supplementation, and in uncommon situations, investigation into underlying causes. Iron overload, particularly genetic haemochromatosis, requires careful monitoring and may need treatments like therapeutic phlebotomy to prevent organ damage.
Don't dismiss persistent fatigue as simply being busy or getting older. If you're experiencing unexplained tiredness or other symptoms that could indicate iron imbalance, particularly if you have risk factors like heavy periods, vegetarian diet, or family history of haemochromatosis, these warrant investigation.
A comprehensive iron study can reveal whether your symptoms are related to iron status and guide appropriate treatment.
The Takeaway
Iron balance is fundamental to your energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. Both deficiency and overload can cause significant symptoms, but they require different approaches to management and monitoring.
Iron deficiency typically responds well to dietary modification and appropriate supplementation, and in uncommon situations, investigation into underlying causes. Iron overload, particularly genetic haemochromatosis, requires careful monitoring and may need treatments like therapeutic phlebotomy to prevent organ damage.
Don't dismiss persistent fatigue as simply being busy or getting older. If you're experiencing unexplained tiredness or other symptoms that could indicate iron imbalance, particularly if you have risk factors like heavy periods, vegetarian diet, or family history of haemochromatosis, these warrant investigation.
A comprehensive iron study can reveal whether your symptoms are related to iron status and guide appropriate treatment.
References
British Society for Haematology. (2021). Guidelines for the investigation and management of iron deficiency anaemia. British Journal of Haematology.
World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations. Geneva: World Health Organization.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2022). EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on haemochromatosis. Journal of Hepatology.
NICE. (2021). Anaemia - iron deficiency. Clinical Knowledge Summary. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
References
British Society for Haematology. (2021). Guidelines for the investigation and management of iron deficiency anaemia. British Journal of Haematology.
World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations. Geneva: World Health Organization.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2022). EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on haemochromatosis. Journal of Hepatology.
NICE. (2021). Anaemia - iron deficiency. Clinical Knowledge Summary. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
References
British Society for Haematology. (2021). Guidelines for the investigation and management of iron deficiency anaemia. British Journal of Haematology.
World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status in individuals and populations. Geneva: World Health Organization.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2022). EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on haemochromatosis. Journal of Hepatology.
NICE. (2021). Anaemia - iron deficiency. Clinical Knowledge Summary. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Research articles
Research articles
Control your preventive health with Emerald
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd