Iron deficiency silently lurks, affecting many New Zealanders, yet often goes unnoticed until symptoms become severe. This condition, characterised by low iron levels, results in insufficient red blood cell production (anaemia) and can have profound consequences on an individual's health and well-being.

To better understand this condition we have to look at how it develops. Simply put, it can be thought of as either insufficient iron supply through reduced intake or absorption, or increased demand through blood loss and iron consumption. It can be the first sign of a serious condition.
The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia extend well beyond mere fatigue and weakness and can include:

• Impaired cognitive and physical performance
• Compromised immune function
• Tongue pain
• Abnormalities in hair and nail growth
• Pale complexion

It can be easily detected through a community blood test (complete blood count and iron studies) arranged by your family doctor. Once detected, however, a cause needs to be established.
Causes of iron deficiency with or without anaemia include:

• Reduced dietary intake
• Reduced absorption including coeliac disease and other inflammatory conditions of the small bowel
• Heavy menstrual blood loss
• Gastrointestinal blood loss including
• Malignancy (cancer)

While iron deficiency can be treated with dietary modification, oral supplementation or infusions, we strongly recommend investigations for all cases of iron deficiency in men and post-menopausal women. In pre-menopausal women, a thorough history, examination and discussion is required to determine if investigations are required.
The most common investigations you require include gastroscopy (a flexible camera assessment of the stomach and first part of the small bowel) and colonoscopy (a flexible camera assessment of the large bowel or colon).
At Waitemata Endoscopy, taking a proactive approach to your health is easy. If you or your family doctor are concerned about iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, we accept GP, specialist and self-referrals via our website. Our experienced team will put you at ease when it comes to your endoscopy. Take a virtual tour of the patient journey and our clinic for an insight into what to expect at waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/locations
Dr Sam Seleq, Gastroenterologist & Endoscopist, MBChB 2014, FRACP 2021

To meet the team at Waitemata Endoscopy and explore the clinic video tours, please visit waitemataendoscopy.co.nz