Iron Infusion: Benefits, Side Effects & What To Expect

Iron is one of the most important minerals for your body. It is primarily found in hemoglobin, the central component of red blood cells. Plus, it is stored in your body in the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and other tissues. 

Unfortunately, iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia globally. While oral iron supplements have long been the go-to solution, they’re often slow to work and tough on the digestive system. 

Iron infusions serve as an alternative because they bypass gut issues and offer a more efficient path to replenishment. Naturally, you’ll have questions about the safety and efficacy of an iron infusion. Below, we discuss how effective and safe this method of dealing with iron deficiency is. 

Key Takeaways 

• You can boost your iron levels by eating iron-rich foods, taking oral supplements, and getting an intravenous iron infusion. 
• An iron infusion is the intravenous delivery of iron to your bloodstream for quicker absorption and availability to the body. 
• Iron infusions help in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and are gentler on the stomach, especially for people with chronic kidney disease, hypersensitivity reactions, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• People with anemia, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and busy professionals can benefit from intravenous iron replacement therapy. 

Why Is Iron Important? 

As we’ve mentioned, iron is an integral component of the body’s circulatory system. It fuels our cells and keeps our bodies moving. Without enough iron, your organs don’t get the oxygen they need to function at their best. 

However, iron’s role is much deeper. It also supports immune health, energy metabolism, and cognitive performance. 

What Role Does Iron Have In the Body? 

Iron supports several important functions in the body, such as: 

• Oxygen Transport: Iron binds to hemoglobin, which allows red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in the body. 
• Brain Function: Iron supports neurotransmitter activity, which impacts your mood, concentration, and memory. 
• Immune Response: Adequate iron strengthens your body’s ability to fight off infections. 

When iron levels drop, these systems begin faltering. As a result, you may need an iron infusion or an oral supplement to compensate for the low iron levels in your body. 

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency 

While iron deficiency looks different among individuals, some common signs include: 

• Constant fatigue or weakness
• Pale or sallow skin 
• Brain fog 
• Cold hands and feel
• Shortness of breath 
• Dizziness 
• Unusual cravings for non-food items like clay or ice 
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat 

If you do not treat iron deficiency in a timely manner, it can progress into iron deficiency anemia. It’s a more severe condition that may require medical intervention. 

Groups at Risk for Iron Deficiency 

Anyone can become iron deficient, but the following groups are more vulnerable than others. 

• Women of Childbearing Age: A study published in JAMA found that almost 40% of young women and girls don’t have enough iron, mainly due to menstruation. Other causes of low iron levels include pregnancy and childbirth. 
• Pregnant Individuals: The iron needs of pregnant women increase significantly to support fetal development. However, oral intake often fails to meet the required levels. 
• People With Digestion Conditions: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease suffer from poor nutrient absorption, which lowers iron absorption from their food intake. 
• Vegetarians and Vegans: Plant-based iron is harder for the body to absorb compared to its animal-based counterpart. So, people with restrictive diets often have low iron levels. 

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Iron

The amount of iron your body requires varies based on age, sex, and life stage. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), here are the RDAs for iron based on your age and sex: 

• Adult Men (19 - 50 years): 8mg 
• Adult Women (19 - 50 years): 18mg
• Pregnant Women: 27mg
• Lactating Women: 9mg - 10mg

At younger ages of 4 to 8 years and 9 to 13 years, both men and women need 10mg and 8mg of iron, respectively. However, in the age range of 14 to 18, women need 15mg compared to 11mg for men. 

How to Boost Iron Levels? 

Food is the first and most natural source of iron for your body. Real meat, poultry, and seafood contain heme iron, which your body can absorb readily.

Still, vegetarians and vegans also have plenty of strong choices, such as lentils, spinach, tofu, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, and fortified cereals. You can also enhance absorption by pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C, like citrus fruits or bell peppers. This way, you also get additional vitamin C benefits. 

When food isn’t enough or if your iron levels are dropping significantly, oral supplements help. If low iron levels show up on blood tests, your doctor will likely prescribe oral supplements as the first line of defense. 

Another option is an iron infusion, which is delivered intravenously to bypass the digestive system for faster iron replenishment. An iron IV drip can be a suitable option for individuals with chronic deficiency or absorption disorders. 

What Is an Iron Infusion?

An iron infusion is a procedure in which you receive iron via a catheter in your vein. The process is called intravenous since iron is transported through your veins. You’ll typically need to go to a medical clinic or a healthcare practitioner’s office to get an iron infusion done. 

You may need to get an iron IV injection if you’re unable to take an oral supplement by mouth or your body cannot absorb iron via the gut. In many cases, you only need a single dose of iron infusion. However, some people may need two or more doses over a period of time to bring the iron level to where it should be. At times, IV iron replacement may act as an alternative to a blood transfusion. 

The main difference between an oral iron supplement and an iron infusion is that the former is taken through the mouth while the latter delivers iron directly into your bloodstream. Once iron enters your blood, it binds to proteins that transport it to the bone marrow. Most people begin feeling improvements within days or weeks. 

The Benefits of Iron Infusions 

Iron infusions offer several benefits apart from helping you reach optimal iron levels. Some of them are as follows. 

• Fewer Side Effects: Research shows that iron infusions have a low incident rate of reactions at a mere 3.9%. They are more tolerable than traditional oral supplements that cause stomach and kidney issues.
• Faster Iron Restoration: Oral supplements typically take months to show results. Meanwhile, iron infusions get to the bloodstream quickly and offer immediate results. 
• Time-Saving: The process of getting an iron infusion may take over an hour, but the treatment requires less time compared to taking pills every day for months. Some individuals only need a few infusions a year to maintain healthy iron levels. 
• Gentle on the Stomach: Iron infusions have fewer digestive side effects compared to pills that are known to cause constipation and stomach pain. 

What to Expect During the Procedure 

Getting an iron infusion from Drip Gym is as easy as selecting our iron therapy IV drip, visiting us on-site, or getting our mobile service at your doorstep and relaxing while the IV does the job. 

On the day of the infusion, you can prepare by eating a healthy breakfast or lunch, depending on the time. If you take any medications regularly, don’t skip them. To stay comfortable, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes. If you’re queasy or get anxious while getting an IV drip, you can bring a book to read along or listen to music. 

Once you’re in our Drip Gym location, here’s what will happen: 

• A healthcare professional will insert the catheter into your vein using a needle. 
• Then, they will remove the needle to leave the catheter behind, which is connected to the iron IV line. 
• The infusion can take a few hours, depending on the treatment level you need. 

You’ll need to be seated during this period, so don’t hesitate to bring entertainment. 

Potential Side Effects of Iron Infusions 

It’s important to know iron infusion side effects to be fully prepared for the procedure. The good news is that most of the possible side effects of iron infusion are mild. They include: 

• Headaches 
• Muscle pain/ joint pain 
• Nausea 
• Shortness of breath 
• Rash 
• Burning sensation 
• Blood pressure changes 
• Heart rate changes 
• Iron infusion reactions 

These side effects of intravenous iron therapy tend to go away after some time. You can minimize these risks by getting an iron infusion from a reliable provider like Drip Gym. 

It also helps to speak to a healthcare provider to calm your worries. Many healthcare professionals give you a test dose to see if your body is prone to iron toxicity, which is a serious side effect of iron transfusions. 

The test done also helps eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction. Once they rule out this possibility, they go forward with the procedure. 

Who Can Benefit From an Iron Infusion? 

Research shows that new IV iron infusions have better safety profiles than their conventional counterparts. They’re also quick at iron replacement, often taking 15 to 60 minutes. 

These infusions can benefit several individuals, such as pregnant women with low iron who need supplementation to support their health and the baby’s development. People with chronic illnesses like kidney conditions often struggle with oral iron supplementation absorption and may require IV iron. 

Similarly, busy professionals who experience burnout-like fatigue can find relief in an iron infusion if iron deficiency is the root cause of their troubles. 

Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare provider before you start any treatment. Iron infusions are a medical procedure and should only be given under professional supervision. 

Cost and Accessibility 

The iron infusion cost depends on a number of factors like location, required dosage, and whether you get it in a hospital or a private practice. Insurance coverage also matters since some plans cover infusions fully when prescribed for anemia, while others require a copay. If you don’t have insurance, prices can be anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per session. 

At Drip Gym, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality iron replenishment without breaking the bank. We offer competitive pricing for iron infusions along with flexible in-house treatments to fit your busy schedule. Get in touch with us to choose your option or get a consultation. 

Do Iron Infusions Really Work? 

There is sufficient research to show that iron infusions work. In fact, an article published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care revealed that infusions are safe and effective for managing iron deficiency anemia, too. 

Our clients at Drip Gym have similar stories to tell. Bryanna Smith says, 

‘’First time drip experience was insane! I was getting over a cold this week. Not only do I feel hydrated. I feel so energized. Thankyou Drip Gym!’’ 

Fatima called us the ‘’best IV drip spot in NYC,’’ while Gabriela Marulanda said, ‘’The place is beautiful, the services are top quality, and the staff is very friendly.’’ 

Tips for Keeping Iron Levels After the Treatment 

You need to think of your iron infusion at a reset. From then on, you have to maintain the healthy levels of iron you’ve acquired. 

Start by building an iron-friendly diet that includes heme iron sources along with plant-based options. If your doctor recommends, you can also continue to use low-dose iron supplements to keep the mineral’s level stable. Similarly, take vitamins for anemia to keep your iron levels optimal. 

Women who have chronic conditions or heavy menstrual cycles can discuss a long-term infusion plan with their healthcare providers. More importantly, improve your lifestyle to steer it towards a health-oriented mindset. 

Final Words 

Before we end, let’s address an important question: what iron levels require iron infusion? You’ll typically be advised to get an infusion if your body’s ferritin levels are under 30 mcg/L. However, it’s best to seek medical assistance for a better understanding of your iron needs. 

Having said that, iron infusions can be quite beneficial for people with low iron or those who cannot take oral supplements due to digestive issues or other medical reasons. If you need a reliable and comfortable iron infusion experience or would like to replenish your iron levels in the comfort of your own home, Drip Gym is your go-to. 

Book now to kickstart your wellness journey.