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Constantly fatigued and running low on energy? Worried about your diet? Wondering ‘am I anaemic’?

Over the last 30 years, global cases of anaemia have increased by 420 million, with almost 2 billion people now suffering from the disease. It’s a condition where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen effectively, often caused by iron deficiency. Signs of anaemia include chronic tiredness, weakness, and pale skin.

Given the rapid rise in cases, many people are resorting to self-diagnosis and seeking reassurance in the corners of the internet. But before jumping to conclusions or consulting Dr Google, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. From the causes to the cures, misinformation about anaemia is rife online.

To help you better understand the relationship between iron deficiency and anaemia, we’ve busted 7 of the biggest misconceptions…

1. MYTH: Being iron deficient means I’m anaemic

Many people assume that being iron deficient automatically means they’re anaemic.

It’s understandable why you might think this — both can be linked very closely. In fact, iron deficiency can lead to a form of anaemia called iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This is the most common form of anaemia, and many people simply think they’re two sides of the same coin.

IDA occurs when your iron deficiency becomes so severe that red blood cell production is impacted. Besides iron deficiency, other unrelated factors can cause anaemia, including blood loss, vitamin B12 deficiency, and even snake venom!

Just like losing blood or being bitten by a snake, iron deficiency is a problem in itself. It’s an early warning sign of potential anaemia — but not a reason to jump to conclusions. You could be iron deficient but not anaemic, or vice versa.

FACT: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anaemia — but low iron doesn’t necessarily mean you’re anaemic.

2. MYTH: Anaemia is a genetic condition

As with many conditions, genetic factors can influence someone’s chances of developing the disease and the severity of their anaemia symptoms. That said, it’s wrong to label anaemia as a ‘genetic’ condition.

The most common cause of anaemia — iron deficiency — is almost never inherited.

There are, however, certain types of anaemia that can only be caused by your genes. For example, sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia are only caused by genetic factors. There’s also a very rare iron-related form called iron-refractory anaemia which is entirely genetic. In these cases, increasing iron intake won’t actually help.

If your home test says you’re iron deficient, you must speak to your GP. Only medical experts can rule out genetic causes, but in most cases, your genes aren’t to blame.

FACT: Certain rare forms of anaemia have genetic causes — but the most common forms aren’t usually inherited.

3. MYTH: Fixing my diet will fix my anaemia

On the surface, you’d think that simply eating more iron-rich foods or properly balancing your diet would fix anaemia. The big myth here is that iron in itself is a cure for all types of anaemia: remember, there are many types!

Correcting low iron intake by improving your diet is really important, but without knowing the underlying cause, you can’t be sure this will fix your iron deficiency symptoms.

If there were such a simple solution, why would 1 billion people worldwide continue to have iron deficiency anaemia?

FACT: Ensuring you have enough iron in your diet is essential, but it’s no guaranteed cure for anaemia.

4. MYTH: Taking daily iron supplements prevents anaemia

In an ideal world, simply topping up your iron levels with tablets every day would protect you from developing anaemia. Sadly, this approach isn’t guaranteed to prevent the disease, and could actually make you even more unwell.

If you check your iron levels and they’re fine, continuing to take daily iron supplements could lead to harmful build-up of iron in key organs such as your heart, pancreas, and liver.

Left untreated, iron toxicity can damage these organs and may even have fatal consequences.

Of course, it’s really important that your body has enough iron to function properly. If you’re consistently worried about your iron intake, don’t just reach for the supplements every day.

The safest way to prevent iron deficiency is to do regular home tests and track your levels over time.

FACT: Don’t assume iron supplements protect you from anaemia — only take them when advised by a doctor.

5. MYTH: Fatigue is normal and not a sign of iron deficiency

Persistent fatigue isn’t just a fact of life, even though it might seem that way! The hectic nature of modern society, with packed schedules and limited time for rest, means many dismiss fatigue as an unavoidable side effect.

Although it might seem like many people suffer from fatigue, it’s not something you should overlook. There’s always an underlying cause, whether that be iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, gluten intolerance, or even diabetes.

Finding out your iron levels would be a good place to start!

FACT: Don’t ignore fatigue — find out the cause and prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

6. MYTH: Anaemia is a female disease and doesn’t affect men

Cultural perceptions of anaemia often lead people to believe it’s a disease affecting mostly women. Anaemia is often linked to dieting and monitoring food intake — judged by many to be a traditionally ‘feminine’ activity.

As a result of natural factors such as menstruation, women need more than double the recommended daily iron intake of men. As the minimum requirement for a woman is higher, it’s obviously much easier for women to become iron deficient.

The Global Burden of Disease Study found that over a third of women of reproductive age had anaemia, compared with only 11% of men. It’s clear, then, that women are much more susceptible to developing anaemia, particularly when they’re younger.

However, although women are more likely to develop iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) than men, this doesn’t mean men are unaffected. Disregarding anaemia as a ‘female disease’ is dangerous and compounds historical underreporting of health conditions by men.

FACT: Iron deficiency doesn’t discriminate based on gender.

7. MYTH: Only vegans need to worry about iron intake

A common misconception is that vegetarians and vegans are the main risk group for iron deficiency. Many assume that red meat is the ultimate source of iron, and nothing else can make up for its exclusion.

Despite what you may think, vegans are no more likely than meat eaters to develop iron deficiency anaemia. Meat is a good source of iron in food, but don’t presume that not being veggie gives you immunity!

Although certain types of red meat provide high iron, you’d be wrong to think it was the only source.

Actually, it isn’t even the top iron source you can eat! With just ¾ of a cup of fortified cereals, such as bran flakes, you’re likely to consume around 100% of your daily recommended iron.

FACT: Meat-eaters aren’t immune from iron deficiency. Everyone should monitor their iron levels regularly.

The safest and simplest way to combat your iron deficiency anxieties is to face them head-on. But how do I know if I’m low in iron? Finding out more about your iron levels has never been easier with readily available home testing kits, giving you answers in minutes.

The only person who can diagnose and treat anaemia effectively is your doctor. You can monitor your iron levels using a home test, but don’t assume anything without the advice of a medical professional. Avoid getting bogged down in digital pseudoscience and take control of your own health today!