Iron Infusions
Helping address iron deficiency
MARKHAM'S IRON INFUSION CENTRE
METALAB: IV Therapy & Regenerative Medicine offers Iron infusions for patients in Markham and throughout the GTA.
Supervised and overseen by our Nurse Practitioners, patients can quickly and conveniently access IV iron for iron deficiency anemia.
We offer safe and efficient medical iron infusions, for those who are iron deficient. Iron deficiency can be caused by a variety of conditions including pregnancy, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, GI illness, cardiac and renal issues, cancer, and more.
Why iron is important to your health:
Iron is essential for your body. It is needed for your mental and physical health and to maintain your energy levels. Iron is present in a substance called haemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells.
Haemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. Oxygen is required in your brain for concentration and in your muscles for physical energy. Iron is also needed to maintain a healthy immune system, helping you to fight off infections.
Are you getting enough iron?
Iron balance is essential for good health. Your body uses iron daily to make new red blood cells, replacing what’s lost through the iron you absorb from food in your small intestine. When this balance between supply and demand is disrupted—due to factors like diet, absorption issues, or increased needs—iron deficiency can develop.
The supply and demand for iron in your body can become unbalanced for a number of reasons and this can lead to iron deficiency. Click here for signs of iron deficiency.
Patients with the following conditions may require IV iron:
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Acute severe gastrointestinal bleeding
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Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
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Chronic kidney disease (on dialysis)
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Cancer patients (with anemia and taking an ESA)
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Severe menorrhagia (abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual periods)
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Surgically induced malabsorption syndromes (gastric bypass)
WHO NEEDS IT?
Although oral iron supplementation is the preferred method of therapy, IV iron therapy may be beneficial for patients experiencing inadequate iron absorption, continued blood loss, or who cannot tolerate oral iron tablets or liquids. Click here for signs of iron deficiency.
About Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is incredibly common world wide, affecting approximately 12% of the global population. The numbers are highest in women 18-45yrs, and people living in lower-income countries. In North America 10% of women of child-bearing age are believed to be iron deficient. An astounding 25% of pregnant women are thought to be iron deficient.
Causes:
Obstetric and gynaecologic causes are most common in pre-menopausal women. In addition to blood loss, poor iron intake from restrictive diets can also exacerbate or even lead to iron deficiency. Oral iron supplements can be difficult to absorb, and constipating to many people.
Symptoms:
Iron deficiency can cause several different symptoms that vary depending on how low your iron level is and how depleted your iron stores are.
The most common initial symptoms of iron deficiency are:
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Chronic fatigue
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Trouble concentrating
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Irritability and mood swings
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Iron deficiency also causes:
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Pale skin
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Weakness
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Feeling cold when others don’t
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat
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Ice cravings
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Restless legs
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Exercise intolerance
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