Understanding anemia: causes and symptoms
Anemia is a common blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. Understanding anemia and its treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively and improving quality of life.
Anemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When there is a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, the body does not receive enough oxygen, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, low mood, and pale skin.
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. When the body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin, resulting in anemia. Other causes include chronic diseases such as kidney disease or cancer, which can interfere with the production of red blood cells, and genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.
The role of iron in treating anemia
There are different forms of iron replacements available for treating anemia. The most common form is synthetic oral supplements, which are taken by mouth. These supplements are available over-the-counter and can help increase iron levels in the body. However, oral supplements have common and negative side effects which is why they are not frequently recommended by functional healthcare providers. These negative side effects of traditional oral boosts include constipation, digestive tract inflammation, or upset stomach, and they may not be well-absorbed by the body in many cases. In fact, new studies show that IV iron is less inflammatory to the body than oral alternatives.
IV therapy iron as an alternative
IV therapy can be a treatment for anemia that involves delivering iron directly into a vein. This method bypasses the digestive system and allows for more efficient absorption of iron into the body. IV therapy for iron is typically used when oral supplements should not be used, such as in cases of GI inflammation, pre-existing conditions, or such low iron levels that oral therapy would be too slow or inefficient.
IV therapy differs from oral supplements in that it delivers a higher dose of iron directly into the bloodstream, without negatively impacting the gut. This allows for faster and more effective replenishment of iron stores in the body. IV iron drips should be administered in a healthcare setting by a doctor, and can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the type of infusion.
The mechanism of action involves binding to transferrin, a protein that transports iron in the blood. Once bound to transferrin, the iron is transported to the bone marrow, where it is used for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This process helps to increase hemoglobin levels and improve oxygen transport throughout the body.
Some patients may start to feel improvement in their symptoms within a few days or weeks, while others may take longer to see results. It is important to follow up with a licensed physician who can assess your progress.
One of the main advantages is that infusion therapy may rapidly improvement symptoms that most patients experience. Many patients report increased energy levels, reduced fatigue, and improved overall quality of life after receiving an iron IV. It is common to hear patients report they didn’t realize how fatigued and tired they were until they experience normal energy levels after treatment.
Another benefit is the potential reduction in the need for blood transfusions. Blood transfusions are often used to treat severe anemia, but they carry risks such as infection and immune reactions.
Who is a candidate for IV treatments for anemia?
The conventional thought was that IV iron is typically reserved for patients with severe iron deficiency anemia who have not responded to or cannot tolerate oral iron supplements. But intravenous therapy can also be recommended for patients with chronic diseases that cause anemia or for those who have not responded to other treatments.
Patients who are unable to absorb supplements properly due to gastrointestinal disorders or surgeries may also be candidates for IV iron. Additionally, patients who require rapid replenishment of iron stores, such as those with alert low levels, or those preparing for surgery or undergoing chemotherapy, may benefit from this treatment option.
Potential side effects
Like any medical treatment, IV iron treatments can have side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, and muscle pain. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. These side effects are extremely lessened when the correct product and dosage are selected. A licensed doctor with experience in IV therapy can help guide this treatment to best mitigate potential side effects.
What to expect during an IV iron infusion
During an IV iron infusion, patients will be seated in a comfortable chair. Under the direction of a physician, a small needle will be placed into a vein, usually in the arm or hand, and connect it to a bag containing the iron solution. The solution will then be slowly infused into the bloodstream over a period of time.
The length of time it takes for infusion therapy can vary depending on the product and dose being administered. Some treatments may take as little as 15 minutes, while others may take several hours. A licensed healthcare provider will monitor the patient throughout the drip to ensure there are no adverse reactions. It is important to communicate any discomfort or concerns to the healthcare provider if experienced.
Infusion center in Meridian that provides iron IV therapy
Established in 2019, Virasoap Natural Medicine is a Meridian-based medical clinic specializing in Naturopathic Medicine and Functional Medicine. Virasoap is led by a licensed naturopathic medical doctor (NMD) and certified functional medicine practitioner (IFMCP). The medical center provides personalized primary care, chronic condition management, and a range of wellness offerings, including IV therapy, vitamin injections, medical-grade supplements, as well as natural medical aesthetics.
Virasoap’s infusion center offers the highest quality, USA compounded infusion treatments including hydration and high-dose vitamin drips in addition to the low dose iron explored in this article. Everything at Virasoap’s natural and functional health clinic focuses on supporting your body’s natural systems for maximum health and wellness.
Looking for natural options for whole-body wellness? Our licensed functional medicine doctor provides preservative-free IV therapy and vitamin injections as well as other wellness treatments.
