--- title: "Iron deficiency anaemia: Symptoms & Treatment" description: "Iron deficiency anaemia causes tiredness and breathlessness from low iron — symptoms, common causes, tablets, and when a GP should investigate." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/ robots: noindex --- # Iron deficiency anaemia: Symptoms & Treatment Health A–Z Iron deficiency anaemia causes tiredness and breathlessness from low iron — symptoms, common causes, tablets, and when a GP should investigate. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is iron deficiency anaemia? Iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body does not have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen. It can cause tiredness, breathlessness and looking pale. It is common, found with a blood test, and usually treated effectively by treating the cause and replacing iron. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Iron deficiency anaemia, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about iron deficiency anaemia - It occurs when low iron means fewer healthy red blood cells. - Common symptoms are tiredness, breathlessness and looking pale. - It is diagnosed with a simple blood test. - Treatment involves replacing iron and addressing the cause. ## What is iron deficiency anaemia? Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition where a lack of iron means the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, so when there are too few, you can feel tired and run down. It is the most common type of anaemia and is usually very treatable. ## Symptoms Iron deficiency anaemia can cause: - tiredness and a lack of energy - shortness of breath - a pale appearance - heart palpitations - headaches Mild anaemia may cause few or no symptoms, and it is often picked up on a blood test. ## What causes it Low iron can result from not getting enough in the diet, from blood loss (such as heavy periods or bleeding from the digestive system), from pregnancy, or from conditions that reduce how well iron is absorbed. Identifying the cause is a key part of treatment, which is why it is important to see a GP rather than simply taking supplements. ## Treatment Treatment usually involves iron supplements, prescribed and monitored by a GP, alongside dealing with whatever is causing the iron loss. A diet including iron-rich foods — such as lean red meat, beans, pulses, fortified cereals and dark green leafy vegetables — supports recovery. Having vitamin C with plant sources of iron can help the body absorb it. ## When to see a GP See a GP if you have ongoing tiredness, breathlessness or pallor, so a blood test can check for anaemia. Always mention heavy periods, or any blood in your stool or black stools, as the cause of low iron needs to be found and addressed, not just the iron replaced. ## ! When to see a GP about iron deficiency anaemia See a GP if you have ongoing tiredness, breathlessness, or look pale, as a simple blood test can check for anaemia. It is important to see a GP rather than just taking iron supplements, because finding and treating the underlying cause of low iron matters. Mention any heavy periods, or any blood in your stool or black stools, which need checking. ## Common questions about iron deficiency anaemia What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia? Common symptoms include tiredness and lack of energy, shortness of breath, a pale appearance, and heart palpitations. Some people notice headaches, brittle nails, or unusual cravings. Mild anaemia may cause few symptoms. What causes low iron? Common causes include not getting enough iron from the diet, blood loss (such as heavy periods, or bleeding from the gut), pregnancy, and conditions that affect iron absorption. Finding the cause is an important part of treatment. How is it treated? Treatment usually involves iron supplements prescribed by a GP, alongside treating whatever is causing the low iron. Eating iron-rich foods helps too. It is best to take supplements on a GP's advice rather than self-treating, so the cause is not missed. Which foods are high in iron? Good sources include lean red meat, beans and pulses, fortified cereals, and dark green leafy vegetables. Having vitamin C (for example a glass of orange juice) with iron-rich plant foods can help absorption. ## Sources - [NHS — Iron deficiency anaemia](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/)