For many people with coeliac disease, the missing piece is iron.
Even when you are doing everything right, damage to the small intestine can make it difficult to absorb iron effectively. As a result, ferritin levels can remain low long after diagnosis, leaving you feeling exhausted, foggy and frustrated.
The aha moment for many patients is realising that the problem is not always how much iron they are taking. Sometimes it is whether they are able to absorb it.
At Holden’s Chemist Express, we provide iron deficiency assessment and IV iron treatment for appropriate patients in Newark and Doncaster.
Why Coeliac Disease Can Cause Low Iron
Coeliac disease can affect the lining of the small intestine, where iron and other nutrients are absorbed. This means some people struggle to rebuild their iron stores, even when they take oral iron tablets or improve their diet.
This can lead to persistently low ferritin, with or without anaemia.
Symptoms That May Be Linked to Low Iron
- Persistent fatigue
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Breathlessness
- Restless legs
- Hair thinning
- Poor exercise tolerance
- Dizziness or feeling weak
You’ve Taken the Tablets. So Why Are You Still Tired?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Many patients assume that if they are taking iron tablets, their iron levels should improve automatically.
Unfortunately, it is not always that simple.
Coeliac disease affects the part of the small intestine responsible for absorbing iron. Even after diagnosis and dietary changes, iron absorption can remain impaired for some time.
Some patients also stop treatment early because iron tablets cause:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
The result is often the same.
Months pass. Ferritin remains low. Energy levels remain poor. Life continues to feel harder than it should.
If you have been told your iron is low and nothing seems to be changing, it may be time to understand why.
Iron Assessment & Treatment Package, £649
Our complete iron deficiency pathway includes:
- Comprehensive iron blood testing, including ferritin, full blood count and iron studies
- Clinical review of your results
- Independent Prescriber consultation
- 500mg IV iron infusion if clinically appropriate
- Monitoring during treatment
- Aftercare and follow-up advice
IV iron is only provided where clinically appropriate following review of your blood results and medical history.
When IV Iron May Be Appropriate
IV iron may be considered where blood results confirm low iron stores and oral iron has not worked, has not been tolerated, or is unlikely to be absorbed effectively.
For patients with coeliac disease, this can be particularly relevant where ferritin remains low despite ongoing dietary management and supplementation.
What Happens Next?
- Complete our enquiry form and tell us about your symptoms, blood results and medical history.
- We review your information and advise whether testing or assessment is needed.
- If appropriate, treatment can be arranged following prescriber review.
If your symptoms are not caused by iron deficiency, we will explain this clearly and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
How Much Longer Are You Going To Feel Like This?
If you are living with coeliac disease and your ferritin remains low despite tablets, supplements or dietary changes, hoping things improve on their own can become incredibly frustrating.
You should not have to keep guessing.
If you are constantly tired, struggling with brain fog, finding exercise harder than it used to be, or wondering why you still do not feel like yourself, the first step is understanding what your iron levels are doing now.
Our iron deficiency pathway combines comprehensive blood testing, clinical review and IV iron treatment where appropriate.
Let’s find out whether low iron is still holding you back.
Supporting Patients Across Newark, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire
We regularly see patients from Newark, Lincoln, Gainsborough, Retford, Worksop, Doncaster, Bassetlaw and surrounding areas who have struggled with persistent low ferritin, iron deficiency symptoms or poor response to iron tablets.
Many patients travel to our clinics because access to comprehensive iron assessment and IV iron treatment can be limited in some areas.
Our clinics in Newark and Doncaster provide assessment, blood testing, independent prescriber review and IV iron treatment where clinically appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coeliac disease cause low ferritin?
Yes. Coeliac disease can reduce absorption of iron and other nutrients, especially if the gut lining has been affected.
Can I have low ferritin without anaemia?
Yes. Some patients have depleted iron stores even when haemoglobin is still within range. Symptoms can still occur in some people.
Why do iron tablets upset my stomach?
Oral iron commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal discomfort. This can be more difficult for patients who already have gut-related conditions.
Will I definitely need IV iron?
No. IV iron is only offered where blood results and clinical assessment show it is appropriate. Some patients may need further investigation or a different treatment approach.
How quickly might I feel better?
Many patients notice improvement within 2 to 6 weeks, although response varies depending on the severity of deficiency and any underlying cause.