You’ve taken iron tablets. You’ve improved your diet. You’ve tried to do the right things.
Yet your ferritin remains low, your energy never seems to recover and you begin to wonder whether this is simply how you’re supposed to feel.
The aha moment for many patients is realising that the problem may not be what they’re eating. It may be what their body is unable to absorb.
At Holden’s Chemist Express, we provide iron deficiency assessment and IV iron treatment for appropriate patients in Newark and Doncaster.
What Are Malabsorption Syndromes?
Malabsorption syndromes are conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly from food and supplements.
This means that even with a healthy diet and oral iron supplements, some people continue to develop iron deficiency.
Examples include:
- Coeliac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bariatric surgery
- Short bowel syndrome
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Certain gastrointestinal disorders affecting nutrient absorption
Symptoms That May Be Linked To Low Iron
- Persistent fatigue
- 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 Taking Iron Tablets. So Why Is Nothing Changing?
This is one of the biggest frustrations for people living with malabsorption conditions.
You’ve been prescribed iron tablets. You’ve bought supplements. You’ve made changes to your diet.
Yet your ferritin remains low.
Months go by and you still feel exhausted.
For some people, the issue isn’t a lack of effort.
The issue is that their body may simply be struggling to absorb enough iron.
Oral iron can also cause unpleasant side effects including:
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
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 iron deficiency and oral iron has not worked, has not been tolerated or is unlikely to be absorbed effectively.
This can be particularly relevant for people living with conditions associated with malabsorption.
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.
How Long Have You Been Blaming Yourself?
Many people with malabsorption conditions feel frustrated because they think they are doing something wrong.
They wonder why supplements aren’t working. They blame themselves for still feeling exhausted.
But sometimes the issue isn’t what you’re eating.
It’s what your body is struggling to absorb.
If you’re constantly tired, struggling to exercise, relying on caffeine or wondering why your iron levels never seem to improve, understanding what your blood results are showing 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 persistent low ferritin and iron deficiency associated with malabsorption conditions.
Many patients travel to our clinics after struggling with ongoing fatigue, poor response to oral iron supplements or recurrent iron deficiency despite treatment.
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 malabsorption cause low ferritin?
Yes. Conditions affecting the digestive system can reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron, increasing the risk of low ferritin and iron deficiency.
Can I have low ferritin even if I eat well?
Yes. Diet alone may not be enough if the body is unable to absorb iron effectively.
Why don’t iron tablets seem to work?
Some conditions can reduce iron absorption, while others make oral iron difficult to tolerate because of side effects.
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.