Frequently Asked Questions About Iron Deficiency

• Why should I test my iron levels?

  Iron is an important nutrient that your body needs to process food. An iron deficiency leads to negative effects on blood formation and your body's oxygen supply, among other things.

  We often do not notice an iron deficiency for a long time once it has set in. Iron deficiency symptoms are relatively unspecific and not always easy to attribute to a deficiency. It can happen that people affected only notice their iron deficiency when they have already developed anemia.

  To avoid this, it can be worthwhile to regularly check your own iron supply - especially if you are on a vegetarian or vegan diet, for example.

  It is also advisable to take a test before resorting to iron supplements because iron overdose can lead to an excess of iron and create discomfort.

• Who should take the test?

  In principle, anyone can be affected by iron deficiency. Women tend to be affected more often than men. Additionally, there are some groups which have a higher risk, and therefore should pay particular attention to their iron levels.

  Groups at risk include elderly people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegetarians and vegans, and competitive athletes. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and competitive sports can lead to an increased need for iron.

• How does the iron deficiency test work?

  Using the materials in the kit, simply prick your fingertip with a lancet and take a few drops of blood. Send the blood sample to our CLIA-certified partner lab. Within a few days you will receive a notification that you can view your individual results report on the my cerascreen ^® app or in your user account area on our website. 

• What does the result of the iron deficiency test tell me?

  In the iron deficiency results report, you will find details on your ferritin level (value). This value is a measure of how well you are supplied with iron. You will find out which ranges are optimal for the ferritin value and what your own iron level is.

• What recommendations do I get?

  In the results report, you will find out how you can counteract an insufficient supply of iron. The report also contains suggestions diet changes to increase your iron intake. Dietary supplements with iron may also be an option.

• What is iron?

  Iron is an essential trace element - a substance that your body needs but cannot produce itself. You must therefore take in trace elements, such as iron, through your diet.

  Iron plays an important role in cellular respiration. It is involved in producing the red blood pigment hemoglobin, which the body needs to carry oxygen from the lungs to all cells. Iron also strengthens the immune system and improves the health of your skin, hair, and nails. 

• How does my body get enough iron?

  Your body can only obtain iron through diet. Iron is better absorbed from animal foods than from plant-based foods. As a vegetarian or vegan, you should therefore pay particular attention to your iron levels and focus on including iron-rich foods within your diet. You can also take plant-based supplements of iron together with foods rich in vitamin C (which promotes iron absorption). Combinations of legumes and vegetables, such as peppers or oatmeal with berries rich in vitamin C, can also be effective.

  Here are some examples of foods rich in iron:

  • Meat, sausage, beef, and pork offal
  • Lentils, peas, beans, soy
  • Amaranth, quinoa, oatmeal, millet
  • eEggs
  • Spinach, kale, and savoy cabbage 
• How does iron deficiency come about?

  An iron deficiency can arise if you do not eat enough iron-rich foods. The following also applies: women generally have a higher need than men because they lose iron through menstruation. The need can also increase during pregnancy .

  Elderly people, competitive athletes, and people with chronic gastrointestinal diseases are also at risk for deficiency.. If you belong to one of the risk groups, it may be worthwhile to test your iron supply.

• What are the symptoms of an iron deficiency?

  Long-term iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is when your blood cannot supply your cells and organs with sufficient oxygen. Symptoms of anemia include paleness, tiredness, dizziness, and a feeling of weakness.

  Other symptoms such as brittle nails, cracked corners of the mouth, hair loss, and headaches may also occur.

• What do I do if I have an iron deficiency?

  If a test reveals that you are suffering from iron deficiency, it makes sense to find out the causes and determine whether there is a disease behind the deficiency that should be treated.

  If the deficiency is due to an increased requirement or insufficient iron intake, then the way forward is relatively simple: change your diet and take iron supplements.

• Can the body have too much iron?

  Yes. It is possible to have too much iron in your body. In most cases, this is due to hemochromatosis, an iron storage disease. The body stores too much iron due to a genetic defect. Other rare causes include liver disease and blood transfusions.

  The most noticeable symptom of excess iron is a bronze coloration of the skin. In the long run, the excess can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, type 2 diabetes, and impotence in men.

• Who is the test not suitable for?

  The iron deficiency test is unsuitable or only partially suitable for certain groups of people:

  • People with infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV may not take the iron deficiency test.
  • People with hemophilia should not do the blood test.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only perform the iron deficiency test under medical supervision. The reference values and recommendations do not apply to you either, so you should obtain recommendations on the test results from your doctor or therapist.
  • The iron deficiency test is not suitable for children under 18 years of age.

  The test is not intended to diagnose serious illnesses. For example, if you have severe depression or extreme pain, contact a doctor.