Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Many people remember the old "tired blood" ads for iron pills and still believe that iron supplements can treat fatigue. However, no one should take iron pills without a specific
diagnosis. Several studies have shown that iron deficiency can be
healthful. Before the bad LDL cholesterol can form plaques in
arteries, it must be converted to oxidized LDL and iron causes
this reaction. Lack of iron reduces your chances of forming
plaques in your arteries and suffering heart attacks and strokes.
Less than 50 percent of the iron in your body is in your
red blood cells. Most iron is in your iron reserves in your liver,
spleen and other tissues. Your body needs iron to make red
blood cells and if your body does not contain enough iron, you
will become anemic, but you will not become anemic until you
have depleted all your iron reserves. You can be iron deficient
but not anemic when you have an adequate supply of red blood
cells, but no iron reserves. Iron deficiency does not make you
tired unless you are also anemic, but it can tire athletes
exercising at their maximum.
Blood iron levels are parts of routine blood tests. If your
blood iron levels are low and you are not anemic, you need a
special test called ferritin to measure iron reserves. If your
ferritin is low, your doctor will look for a source of bleeding such
as heavy menstruation or through your intestinal tract. If no
serious source is found, you need no treatment unless you are a
highly competitive athlete. More on chronic fatigue
Checked 3/1/08