They put it down to inflammation, flare-ups or a busy lifestyle.
But for many patients, the real problem is iron deficiency.
Even when Crohn’s disease is being managed, inflammation and damage within the digestive tract can affect your body’s ability to absorb iron properly.
The result can be persistently low ferritin levels, ongoing fatigue and symptoms that make everyday life feel harder than it should.
The aha moment for many patients is realising that the exhaustion they have accepted as “just part of Crohn’s” may actually be linked to iron deficiency.
At Holden’s Chemist Express, we provide iron deficiency assessment and IV iron treatment for appropriate patients in Newark and Doncaster.
Why Crohn’s Disease Can Cause Iron Deficiency
Crohn’s disease can affect iron levels in several ways.
- Reduced iron absorption due to inflammation in the bowel
- Blood loss from the digestive tract
- Increased iron requirements during active disease
- Difficulty tolerating oral iron supplements
- Dietary restrictions associated with Crohn’s symptoms
This means iron deficiency is common in people living with Crohn’s disease and can occur even when bowel symptoms appear relatively stable.
Symptoms That May Be Linked to Low Iron
- Persistent fatigue
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Hair thinning
- Restless legs
- Poor concentration
- Feeling weak or run down
You’ve Taken the Tablets. So Why Are You Still Tired?
This is one of the most common frustrations for people with Crohn’s disease.
You’ve taken the supplements. You’ve followed the advice. Yet your ferritin remains low and your energy levels never seem to recover.
Unfortunately, oral iron tablets do not always work effectively for people with Crohn’s disease.
Inflammation within the bowel can reduce absorption, while oral iron may also worsen gastrointestinal symptoms for some patients.
Common side effects include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
The result is often the same.
Months pass. Ferritin remains low. Energy remains poor. Life continues to feel harder than it should.
If you’ve 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 Crohn’s disease, this can be particularly relevant where ferritin remains low despite oral supplementation or where gastrointestinal symptoms make tablets difficult to tolerate.
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’re living with Crohn’s disease and your ferritin remains low despite treatment, supplements or dietary changes, continuing to struggle through exhaustion can become incredibly frustrating.
You should not have to simply accept feeling tired all the time.
If brain fog, fatigue and low energy are affecting your work, exercise, family life or confidence, the first step is understanding whether iron deficiency is still contributing to your symptoms.
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 Crohn’s disease cause low ferritin?
Yes. Crohn’s disease is a common cause of iron deficiency because inflammation and bowel damage can reduce iron absorption and contribute to blood loss.
Can I have low ferritin even if my Crohn’s is controlled?
Yes. Some patients continue to experience low ferritin despite their bowel symptoms being relatively stable.
Why do iron tablets upset my stomach?
Oral iron can commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.
Will I definitely need IV iron?
No. IV iron is only offered where blood results and clinical assessment indicate it is appropriate.
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.