“Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women. WHO estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women are anaemic.” - World Health Organisation 

Anaemia due to insufficient iron in the body is common in children and women of all ages but most commonly in women who still have their periods (at least 20% suffer from iron deficiency). 

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when blood red cells in the blood do not contain enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is created from iron. Without haemoglobin, we are unable to transport oxygen around the body. This is why iron deficiency anaemia can make you feel tired.

Low iron in the body can be due to:

• Not enough being eaten (this can occur when people don’t eat enough red meat or pulses) 
• Not enough being absorbed (this can occur in vitamin C deficiency or coeliac disease)
• Too much iron is lost in the blood (this can occur with a heavy period or bowel cancer)
• Inflammation in the body (this can occur with many chronic illnesses)

Iron deficiency occurs when the body’s iron stores are depleted and a restricted supply of iron to various tissues becomes apparent. If left untreated, iron deficiency can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, which is a condition defined by a low haemoglobin concentration in the blood. Heavy periods and pregnancy are very common causes of iron deficiency anaemia. Bleeding in the stomach and intestines is another most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. This can be caused by: 

• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin 
• stomach ulcers 
• inflammation of the bowel or food pipe (oesophagus) 
• piles 
• cancers of the bowel or stomach – but this is less common 

Any other conditions or actions that cause blood loss could also lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron deficiency is diagnosed by our blood test that evaluates the amount of iron in the bloodstream. If you have an iron deficiency you are likely to have iron deficiency anaemia, but this would need confirming with another test called an FBC (Full blood count). Speak to a GP before requesting an FBC as you will likely need other blood tests alongside this to help identify the cause.

If the blood test shows your red blood cell count is low, you may be prescribed iron tablets to replace the iron that's missing from your body. The prescribed tablets are stronger than the supplements you can buy in pharmacies and supermarkets. You’ll need to take them for about 6 months. Drinking orange juice after you've taken a tablet may help your body to absorb the iron. 

If your diet is partly causing your iron deficiency, you should eat and drink more of the following: 

• dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and curly kale 
• cereals and bread with extra iron in them (fortified) 
• meat 
• dried fruit like apricots, prunes and raisins 
• pulses (beans, peas and lentils) 

Eat and drink less of the following: 

• tea 
• coffee 
• milk and dairy 
• foods with high levels of phytic acid, such as wholegrain cereals, which can stop your body absorbing iron from other foods and pills 

Large amounts of these foods and drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.

A ferritin blood test measures the level of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein and the primary form of iron stored inside cells. An abnormal result means that the ferritin concentration in blood is lower than 30ng/ml and a possible iron deficiency has been identified.

The Iron Deficiency (ferritin rapid test) should be used if you’re experiencing symptoms such as paleness, feeling tired, headaches or shortness of breath during exercise. If you’re a woman, you may want to test when pregnant or, in case of excessive bleeding, during periods.

Our at-home Iron Deficiency Tests cost just £29.99 including standard delivery.

• Normal: Two lines appear. Both the T (test) and C (control) lines appear. This result means that the ferritin concentration in blood is likely normal. 
• Abnormal: One line appears. Only the control line appears (C). This result means that the ferritin in your blood is too low. 
• Invalid: The control line will not appear. An insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques are the most likely reasons for control line failure. You should repeat the test again with a new test.

If the result is abnormal, it means that the ferritin level is lower than normal (30ng/ml) and you should make an appointment with a GP to discuss the test result and decide whether additional tests are required.

If the result is normal, it means that the ferritin level is higher than 30ng/ml and is within the normal range. However, if you did this test because you have symptoms, we strongly recommend making an appointment with a GP to discuss other, potentially serious, causes for your symptoms.

• Test cassette 
• Dropper 
• Test buffer solution 
• Alcohol wipe 
• Blood lancet (finger-prick device)

Tests will be dispatched from Monday to Friday. If you have chosen Standard Delivery, you will receive your order within 5 working days. If you have opted for Express Delivery, you can expect to receive your order within 1-2 working days.