Anaemia (iron deficiency) Treatment

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Lifestyle Modifications

To support iron replenishment through dietary intake and optimise the absorption of iron supplements.

Increase consumption of iron-rich foods such as dark-green leafy vegetables (e.g., watercress, kale), fortified cereals and bread, dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins), and pulses (beans, peas, lentils).
Enhance iron absorption by pairing iron-rich foods or supplements with sources of Vitamin C, such as orange juice, bell peppers, or citrus fruits.
Reduce intake of substances that inhibit iron absorption, including coffee, milk, dairy products, and foods high in phytic acid (e.g., wholegrain cereals) around the time of iron consumption.
Take prescribed iron tablets with or immediately after food to minimise common gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or heartburn.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDietitian

Medicinal Treatment

To correct iron deficiency, alleviate associated symptoms, and treat the root cause of anaemia.

Oral iron supplements (iron tablets) are the primary treatment, typically prescribed for approximately 6 months to effectively replenish the body's iron stores and red blood cell count.
Medications to treat underlying causes of blood loss, such as hormonal treatments for heavy menstrual periods or medications for stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Regular follow-up blood tests (e.g., full blood count) to monitor iron levels, red blood cell parameters, and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment regimen.
Intravenous (IV) iron infusions may be administered in cases of severe anaemia, intolerance to oral iron, significant malabsorption, or when rapid iron repletion is necessary.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerGastroenterologistGynaecologistHaematologist

Surgical Treatment

To surgically address and eliminate significant underlying causes of blood loss that lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Endoscopic procedures (e.g., gastroscopy, colonoscopy) to identify and treat sources of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, such as ulcers, polyps, or angiodysplasias, often through cauterisation or clipping.
Surgical intervention for underlying conditions causing significant blood loss, including removal of certain benign or malignant tumours in the gastrointestinal tract or uterus.
Procedures to manage severe and intractable heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy, when medical management is insufficient.
Blood transfusions may be performed in acute or severe cases of anaemia to rapidly increase red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity, providing symptomatic relief while underlying causes are addressed.

ConsultGeneral SurgeonGastroenterologistGynaecologist

Specialists

General PractitionerDietitianGastroenterologistGynaecologistHaematologistGeneral Surgeon

About This Disease

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Anaemia (iron deficiency) Treatment.

Know more about Anaemia (iron deficiency) Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To support iron replenishment through dietary intake and optimise the absorption of iron supplements.

Increase consumption of iron-rich foods such as dark-green leafy vegetables (e.g., watercress, kale), fortified cereals and bread, dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins), and pulses (beans, peas, lentils).

Enhance iron absorption by pairing iron-rich foods or supplements with sources of Vitamin C, such as orange juice, bell peppers, or citrus fruits.

Reduce intake of substances that inhibit iron absorption, including coffee, milk, dairy products, and foods high in phytic acid (e.g., wholegrain cereals) around the time of iron consumption.

Take prescribed iron tablets with or immediately after food to minimise common gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or heartburn.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerDietitian

Medicinal Treatment

To correct iron deficiency, alleviate associated symptoms, and treat the root cause of anaemia.

Oral iron supplements (iron tablets) are the primary treatment, typically prescribed for approximately 6 months to effectively replenish the body's iron stores and red blood cell count.

Medications to treat underlying causes of blood loss, such as hormonal treatments for heavy menstrual periods or medications for stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Regular follow-up blood tests (e.g., full blood count) to monitor iron levels, red blood cell parameters, and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment regimen.

Intravenous (IV) iron infusions may be administered in cases of severe anaemia, intolerance to oral iron, significant malabsorption, or when rapid iron repletion is necessary.

ConsultGeneral PractitionerGastroenterologistGynaecologistHaematologist

Surgical Treatment

To surgically address and eliminate significant underlying causes of blood loss that lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Endoscopic procedures (e.g., gastroscopy, colonoscopy) to identify and treat sources of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, such as ulcers, polyps, or angiodysplasias, often through cauterisation or clipping.

Surgical intervention for underlying conditions causing significant blood loss, including removal of certain benign or malignant tumours in the gastrointestinal tract or uterus.

Procedures to manage severe and intractable heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy, when medical management is insufficient.

Blood transfusions may be performed in acute or severe cases of anaemia to rapidly increase red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity, providing symptomatic relief while underlying causes are addressed.

ConsultGeneral SurgeonGastroenterologistGynaecologist

Anaemia (iron deficiency) Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Specialists

About This Disease

Anaemia (iron deficiency) Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

Medicinal Treatment

Surgical Treatment

Contents

Specialists

About This Disease