Powerless through everyday life? Iron deficiency and its consequences

Do you often feel tired, listless, exhausted, close to burnout? Perhaps you are constantly plagued by infections or you have the feeling that your body is not performing as well as it should? It could be due to something that is often overlooked: Iron deficiency. This inconspicuous problem can secretly sabotage your everyday life and significantly impair your quality of life. Why is iron so important – and what happens when it’s missing? Let’s find out together whether your body might need exactly this ‘fuel’ to get going again. In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about the different iron levels in your blood and how they can improve your energy and well-being in the long term.

What is iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency means that your body does not have enough of the vital trace element iron to function optimally. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen to your organs. Without enough iron, your body is not supplied with enough oxygen, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, concentration problems and a weakened immune system. In short: your entire metabolism grinds to a halt.

Iron as an energy booster

Dr. Ulrich Strunz, a German internist, author, former triathlete and one of the best-known representatives of modern preventive medicine, emphasizes the central role of iron for performance and vital energy. In his books, he explains that iron not only transports oxygen, but is also crucial for cell health and energy production in the mitochondria – the powerhouses of your cells. When your body is deficient, it doesn’t just feel like a small loss of energy; it’s like your entire system is running on fumes. According to Dr. Strunz, iron deficiency is often reflected in seemingly non-specific complaints that many people don’t take seriously – from constantly cold hands and feet to depressive moods.

Recognize iron deficiency: What should you test for?

The problem with this is that iron deficiency often goes undetected because even blood tests often only check the haemoglobin level. Yet it is precisely the ferritin value – your iron store – that provides information on whether your body is sufficiently supplied with iron. Dr. Strunz repeatedly points out that a low ferritin level is one of the most common reasons for a lack of energy and recommends targeted supplementation if necessary. In short, iron deficiency is more than just a medical detail. It’s a silent brake that prevents you from reaching your full potential. Pay attention to your body’s signals and have your iron levels checked if you often feel tired. Because energy is life – and iron is the key to it.

Symptoms: When you should pay attention

• Persistent tiredness: Despite getting enough sleep, you feel exhausted.
• Concentration problems: Your mental performance decreases.
• Cold hands and feet: a common but underestimated sign.
• Susceptibility to infections: Your immune system is weakened.
• Depressive moods: Iron deficiency can also affect your mood.

Which iron values are meaningful?

To reliably diagnose an iron deficiency, it is not enough to simply measure the haemoglobin level. This only provides information on whether there is enough haemoglobin to transport oxygen in the blood. An incipient or even pronounced iron deficiency often remains undetected, as the haemoglobin level can remain normal for a long time while the iron stores are already depleted. The following values are therefore crucial:

Ferritin: the key to iron stores

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it when required. It is considered the most sensitive marker for iron stores in the body. Low ferritin levels indicate empty iron stores, while high levels can indicate iron overload or inflammation. While traditional medicine sets normal ferritin levels for women between 13.0 – 150 ng/ml and for men between 30.0 – 400 ng/ml, Strunz sets the minimum values significantly higher: According to him, ferritin levels should be at least 120 ng/ml for men and at least 60 ng/ml for women to ensure optimal performance.

Depending on the laboratory recommendation, it can even happen that your doctor considers ferritin levels of 10 ng / ml to be completely normal, while you wonder why you are so miserably exhausted. Health is personal responsibility!

Transferrin: the transport of iron in the body

Transferrin is a special transport protein in the blood that plays a central role in iron metabolism. It binds iron from food or stores and delivers it specifically to cells that need iron – in particular to the bone marrow for the production of red blood cells. But transferrin not only transports iron: It also regulates your body’s iron balance and prevents free iron from having a toxic effect.

Transferrin and its importance in diagnostics

The transferrin levels in your blood give you an indication of how your body deals with iron:

• Elevated transferrin value:
  If your transferrin value is elevated, this often indicates an iron deficiency. Your body is trying to transport more iron, even though there may be too little iron available. This is a compensation mechanism to cover the iron requirement anyway.
• Low transferrin value:
  A low transferrin value can indicate inflammation, liver disease or chronic illness. Your body produces less transferrin, which affects iron distribution and availability.

Transferrin saturation: A crucial marker

The transferrin saturation, how much iron is actually transported on the transferrin. It is given as a percentage and is calculated from the ratio of iron in the serum and the transferrin capacity.

• Normal transferrin saturation: Is between 20 and 45 %.
• Low transferrin saturation: Values below 20% indicate an inadequate iron supply. There is not enough iron to cover the body’s needs, even if there is sufficient transferrin.
• High transferrin saturation: Values above 45% may indicate iron overload, as occurs in diseases such as hemochromatosis.

While the ferritin value shows the iron stores, the transferrin saturation provides information about the current iron flow in your body. It helps to identify functional iron deficiencies, where sufficient iron is stored but not made available for cell metabolism.

CRP: The inflammation marker with an influence on iron metabolism

CRP (C-reactive protein) is an important inflammatory marker that is measured in the blood to detect acute or chronic inflammatory processes in the body. CRP is produced by the liver and rises when your immune system reacts to infections, injuries or chronic illnesses. CRP plays a special role in the context of iron metabolism, as inflammation can have a significant impact on iron utilization and storage.

Why is CRP important in diagnosing iron deficiency?

Inflammation affects your body’s iron balance in a complex way. As soon as there is inflammation, your immune system releases the hormone hepcidin, which blocks iron absorption in the intestine and at the same time prevents stored iron from being released from the cells. This leads to a kind of “functional iron deficiency”, where iron is present but is not made available for metabolism.

Falsified ferritin values due to CRP

CRP is particularly important because it influences the interpretation of the ferritin value. Ferritin is not only an iron store, but also a so-called acute-phase protein that can be artificially elevated during inflammation. In this case, a high ferritin value does not mean that your iron stores are full, but can be the result of an inflammatory reaction.

If the CRP value is elevated at the same time, caution is advised:

• Elevated ferritin + elevated CRP: Often indicates an inflammatory reaction and possibly hidden iron deficiency.
• Normal ferritin + elevated CRP: May also indicate a hidden iron deficiency, as the ferritin masks the actual state of the iron stores.

Why CRP should always be measured

If you have your iron levels determined, CRP should always be taken into account as an accompanying marker. Only then can you be sure that ferritin and transferrin saturation are interpreted correctly. Without this value, inflammation could mask an iron deficiency or the actual cause of your symptoms could remain undetected.

The effects of iron deficiency on quality of life

Iron deficiency can have a significant impact on quality of life. People with iron deficiency often feel exhausted and have difficulty coping with everyday tasks. Performance at work and in social life can be severely restricted. Women of childbearing age, children and adolescents in growth phases and people with chronic illnesses are particularly affected.

Iron deficiency in different groups of people

Different groups of people are affected to varying degrees by iron deficiency. Women regularly lose blood and therefore iron during menstruation, which increases the risk of a deficiency. Pregnant women have an increased iron requirement in order to provide the fetus with sufficient iron. Vegetarians and vegans should also make sure they have a sufficient iron intake, as plant-based iron is less easily absorbed than animal-based iron.

For vegetarians and vegans, it is particularly important to consume iron-rich foods such as pulses, nuts and wholegrain products. Combining these with foods rich in vitamin C can improve iron absorption.

Practical tips for improving iron levels

There are various ways to improve iron levels in the body. A balanced diet rich in iron-rich foods can help to cover the requirement. In some cases, however, iron supplements or infusions are necessary to treat the deficiency effectively.

Nutrition for iron deficiency: foods that help

An iron-rich diet is the key to preventing and treating iron deficiency. The best sources include red meat, poultry, fish, legumes and green leafy vegetables. The absorption of iron can be improved by consuming foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges or peppers at the same time.

• Red meat (beef, lamb)
• Fish and seafood
• Pulses (lentils, beans)
• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
• Nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, almonds)

Iron supplements: when are they useful?

Iron supplements can be an effective way of treating an iron deficiency, especially if diet alone is not sufficient. However, they should only be taken under medical supervision, as an overdose can lead to health problems. In some cases, such as chronic illnesses or severe blood loss, iron infusions may be necessary.

It is best to take iron supplements on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Avoid drinking coffee or tea at the same time, as these can inhibit iron absorption.

The role of infusions in the treatment of iron deficiency

In severe cases of iron deficiency, especially if oral preparations are not tolerated or are not effective, iron infusions can provide a quick and effective solution. These are administered intravenously and allow the iron stores to be replenished directly. The decision for an infusion should always be made in consultation with a doctor who can determine the necessity and the appropriate dosage.

Conclusion: Active measures against iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a widespread problem that can have a significant impact on quality of life. A conscious diet, regular monitoring of iron levels and, if necessary, taking supplements or infusions can effectively treat the deficiency. Pay attention to your body’s signals and do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you suspect an iron deficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to drastically improve your health and quality of life.

Book tip:

Life energy: The miracle of energy metabolism. All about exhaustion, permanent tiredness and fatigue – and how to beat them –
by Ulrich Strunz (Author)