You may wonder whether you’re overworked, stressed or simply getting older.
But for some people, low iron stores may be part of the picture.
The aha moment for many patients is realising that iron deficiency can develop even with a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, particularly because plant-based iron is absorbed less efficiently than iron from meat.
At Holden’s Chemist Express, we provide iron deficiency assessment and IV iron treatment for appropriate patients in Newark and Doncaster.
Can Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Cause Iron Deficiency?
Vegetarian and vegan diets can absolutely provide adequate iron, but they require careful planning.
Iron from plant sources (non-haem iron) is absorbed less efficiently than iron found in meat and fish.
This means some people may gradually develop low ferritin levels over time, especially if they also have:
- Heavy periods
- Endometriosis
- High exercise demands
- Gastrointestinal conditions affecting absorption
- Previous bariatric surgery
- Increased iron requirements
Symptoms That May Be Linked To Low Iron
- Persistent fatigue
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Poor concentration
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Hair thinning
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Restless legs
- Feeling weak or run down
- Poor recovery after exercise
You’re Eating Well. So Why Do You Still Feel Exhausted?
This is one of the biggest frustrations we hear.
You’re doing everything right.
You eat well. You take supplements. You make healthy choices.
Yet your energy levels continue to fall.
Some people are surprised to discover that ferritin levels can become depleted slowly over months or years.
Others struggle to tolerate iron tablets because of side effects such as:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort
If you’re doing all the right things but still don’t feel like yourself, understanding your iron levels may provide some answers.
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 tests confirm low iron stores and oral iron has not worked, has not been tolerated or is unlikely to restore iron levels effectively.
Treatment decisions are based on blood results, symptoms and clinical assessment.
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 further 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.
You’re Looking After Your Health. Don’t Ignore How You Feel.
Many vegetarians and vegans blame themselves when they feel exhausted.
They wonder whether they’re eating enough protein. Whether they’re missing something. Whether they just need to push through.
But sometimes the answer isn’t a lack of effort.
Sometimes it’s low iron.
If you’re relying on caffeine, struggling to exercise, feeling mentally drained or wondering why you no longer feel like yourself, understanding your iron levels could be an important first step.
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 support patients from Newark, Lincoln, Gainsborough, Retford, Worksop, Doncaster, Bassetlaw and Sheffield who are experiencing low ferritin and iron deficiency associated with vegetarian and vegan diets.
Many patients travel to our clinics after struggling with fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, hair thinning or symptoms that continue despite oral iron supplements.
Our clinics in Newark and Doncaster provide comprehensive iron assessment, blood testing, independent prescriber review and IV iron treatment where clinically appropriate.
We frequently see patients travelling from across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire because access to dedicated iron deficiency assessment and IV iron treatment can be limited locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a vegan diet cause low ferritin?
A well-planned vegan diet can provide enough iron, but iron from plant sources is absorbed less efficiently. Some people may develop low ferritin over time.
Can I have low ferritin even if I eat plenty of vegetables?
Yes. Iron intake is only part of the picture. Absorption, blood loss and individual requirements all influence iron levels.
Why don’t iron tablets agree with me?
Oral iron supplements commonly cause constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal discomfort, making long-term treatment difficult for some people.
Will I definitely need IV iron?
No. IV iron is only offered where blood results and clinical assessment show 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.