IV Iron Treatment Information
As per the delegation from our Nurse Practitoner, we are pleased to offer IV Iron therapy.
However, before a patient can be considered for an iron IV, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of iron deficiency anemia. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial, as treatment must target the root cause to effectively address the condition
Understanding the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, occurring when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While poor dietary intake is a common cause, a variety of underlying conditions can also contribute to iron deficiency anemia. Below, we explore the diverse causes, including bacterial infections, chronic diseases, lifestyle factors, and more.
1. Blood Loss
Iron is primarily lost from the body through blood loss. Chronic or heavy bleeding can rapidly deplete iron stores.
Heavy Menstruation (Menorrhagia): Excessive menstrual bleeding is a leading cause of iron deficiency in women of reproductive age.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Conditions such as peptic ulcers, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, or esophageal varices can cause blood loss, often unnoticed until anemia develops.
Surgical Procedures or Trauma: Blood loss during surgery or from an injury can lead to iron deficiency.
2. Nutritional Deficiency
Inadequate dietary intake or poor absorption of iron can result in iron deficiency anemia.
Poor Diet: Diets lacking in iron-rich foods, such as red meat, beans and lentils
Vegetarian or Vegan Diets: Plant-based diets may lack sufficient bioavailable iron, as non-heme iron from plants is less easily absorbed than heme iron from animal sources.
Malabsorption Disorders: Conditions such as celiac disease or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)can impair iron absorption in the gut.
3. Bacterial Infections
Certain bacterial infections can directly or indirectly cause iron deficiency anemia by disrupting iron absorption or inducing blood loss.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori):
This bacterium, associated with peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis, interferes with iron absorption in the stomach lining.
H. pylori infections are often linked to unexplained iron deficiency anemia, even in the absence of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO):
SIBO can damage the intestinal lining and reduce the absorption of nutrients, including iron.
Chronic inflammation caused by bacterial imbalance can further worsen anemia.
4. Chronic Diseases
Many chronic conditions interfere with iron absorption, utilization, or red blood cell production.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic blood loss and inflammation, impairing iron absorption.
Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease leads to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone necessary for red blood cell production.
Cancer: Many cancers, particularly gastrointestinal cancers, can cause internal bleeding or disrupt iron metabolism.
5. Parasites and Infections
Intestinal Parasites:
Hookworms, whipworms, and other parasitic infections cause chronic blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to significant iron loss.
Malaria:
Malaria destroys red blood cells and can deplete iron stores over time, especially in areas with frequent reinfection.
6. Heavy Metal Toxicity
Lead Poisoning: Lead interferes with heme synthesis, causing anemia that mimics iron deficiency and may coexist with it. It also impairs iron absorption.
Cadmium and Other Metals: Chronic exposure to heavy metals like cadmium can disrupt iron metabolism and cause anemia-like symptoms.
7. Physiological Demands
Certain life stages or activities increase the body’s need for iron.
Pregnancy: Increased blood volume, combined with the iron needs of the developing fetus, often leads to iron deficiency anemia without supplementation.
Growth Spurts: Rapid growth during adolescence raises iron requirements, making teens more susceptible to deficiency.
8. Autoimmune and Genetic Conditions
Autoimmune Gastritis: This condition damages the stomach lining, reducing intrinsic factor and impairing nutrient absorption, including iron.
Genetic Anemias: Conditions such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease may coexist with iron deficiency anemia.
9. Lifestyle Factors
Frequent Blood Donation: Regular blood donations can deplete iron stores if dietary intake is insufficient to replenish them.
Intense Exercise: High levels of physical activity can increase iron requirements and result in iron loss through sweat or minor gastrointestinal bleeding.
Iron IV Therapy: Replenish Your Iron Levels Safely
Iron deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, from fatigue and weakness to more serious conditions if left untreated. We offer Iron IV Therapy to help replenish your iron levels in a safe and effective manner. However, before administering the treatment, we follow a detailed protocol to ensure that your body is ready for the infusion and that the underlying causes of iron deficiency are properly addressed.
Our Protocol for Iron IV Therapy
We take a comprehensive approach to iron deficiency treatment. Before proceeding with the Iron IV infusion, the following steps are mandatory to ensure both your safety and the effectiveness of the therapy:
1. Bloodwork Evaluation
To confirm that an Iron IV therapy is appropriate, we require comprehensive bloodwork, including:
Iron Panel
Ferritin Levels
Kidney Function Tests
Liver Function Tests
hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
Electrolytes
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
This bloodwork must be completed within 3 weeks prior to beginning your Iron IV therapy. Your medical doctor has the authority to requisition these tests, and they are typically covered under OHIP. If your doctor is unwilling to requisition the tests, we can facilitate these tests for you at an additional cost.
2. Live Blood Cell Analysis
In addition to the bloodwork, we conduct a Live Blood Cell Analysis. This analysis helps us evaluate critical health factors such as:
Parasites
Bacteria
Heavy Metals
Liver Toxins
Leaky Gut Syndrome
These factors can impact your iron levels, and we want to ensure they are within normal limits before proceeding with the Iron IV treatment.
3. Referral from Your Naturopathic Doctor (ND) or Being an Existing Patient
To undergo the Iron IV therapy, you must either have a referral from your Naturopathic Doctor (ND) or be an existing patient of the clinic. This ensures continuity of care and a full understanding of your health history.
4. Review and Approval
After evaluating your Live Blood Cell Analysis and bloodwork, we will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the Iron IV therapy. If any abnormalities are detected in your Live Blood Cell Analysis, we will address these underlying issues before proceeding with the treatment.
Risks and Potential Complications of Iron IV Therapy
Before administering the Iron IV therapy, it’s crucial to understand the risks and potential complications associated with the treatment. Below is an overview of the iron medication used in this therapy. Please review thoroughly to be aware of the potential risks:
Overdose of Iron: Administering too much iron can be dangerous, which is why we retake the iron panel after your infusion to monitor your levels. If necessary, we will schedule follow-up treatments to ensure your levels are optimized without the risk of iron toxicity.
Treating the Root Cause of Iron Deficiency
We believe in treating the underlying root cause of disease rather than just addressing symptoms. Iron deficiency may stem from one or more underlying conditions, including:
Crohn’s Disease
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Ulcerative Colitis
Fibroids
Heavy Menstruation
Malabsorption of Nutrients
Parasites
Bacteria
Copper Imbalance, Vitamin A Deficiency & Ceruloplasmin Issues
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
To effectively treat iron deficiency, we follow a two-step process:
Identify the Root Cause: Using advanced diagnostic tools like bloodwork and Live Blood Cell Analysis, we determine the underlying condition contributing to your iron deficiency.
Provide Appropriate Care and Treatment: Once the root cause is identified, we provide a tailored treatment plan to address these issues. Iron IV therapy can provide symptomatic relief, but it is not a permanent solution unless the underlying condition is treated.
Conditions Contraindicated for Iron Infusion
Certain medical conditions are contraindicated for Iron IV therapy. These include, but are not limited to:
Alpha and Beta Thalassemia
Hemochromatosis
Other serious blood disorders
*This list is not exhaustive.