24/03/2026
This is a common question I hear from people who are dealing with persistent fatigue, weakness, or frequent dizziness.
My answer is: if you are experiencing symptoms that may suggest low iron, the first step is not to buy a supplement, but to speak with your doctor to investigate the causes behind those symptoms.
If supplementation is needed, your doctor will guide you on the type, dose, and duration. Iron supplements are not one-size-fits-all, and taking them unnecessarily (or incorrectly) can do more harm than good.
It is true that iron is an essential mineral that cannot be produced by the body. However, working with your doctor and your nutritionist, you may find out that mild low levels can be improved through some easy dietary changes.
Here are some key nutrition tips to support healthy iron levels:
- Include haem iron sources in your diet (lean red meat, poultry, fish): this form is more easily absorbed
- Balance intake with overall health: be mindful of saturated fat when choosing animal sources and prioritise lean cuts
- Avoid calcium-rich foods, tea, and coffee around iron-rich meals, as they can inhibit absorption
- Boost non-haem iron absorption (found in plant foods like legumes, tofu, spinach and other dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds like sesame) by pairing with haem sources or vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, kiwi fruit, capsicum, tomatoes, berries, green leafy vegetables)
This last suggestion is especially important for those who eat little or no red meat.
If you are unsure where to start, or want tailored guidance to optimise your diet, I’m here to help.
📩 Get in touch for personalised nutrition support.