Are men at risk of iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in Australia.2 Although it is often thought of as a women’s issue, men are not immune. About 1.2% of Australian men have iron deficiency1, however elite athletes, or those following a vegan or vegetarian diet are at higher risk.2 Here’s what men need to know about iron deficiency.

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Which men are at most risk of iron deficiency?

Exercise enthusiasts: Men who are elite level athletes may be at risk of iron deficiency due to a range of factors, including a restricted diet, reduced iron absorption due to inflammation and increased losses in sweat.3

Vegans and vegetarians: It can be difficult for men on a restricted diet, such as vegans and vegetarians, to get enough iron from their food. One reason is that the non-haem iron in plant foods is more difficult to absorb than the iron found in meat. For this reason, people whose diet excludes meat need to take care to ensure they get enough iron.2

Check out: How vegetarians and vegans can meet their iron needs 

Men with gastrointestinal conditions: Your doctor will always want to find the cause of your iron deficiency and not treat only the symptoms. To achieve this, they may investigate whether you have coeliac disease, an ulcer or another illness.2,3

Blood donors: When you give blood, you donate some of your iron goes along with your blood donation. You can usually replace this through your diet.4

What to do if you are concerned

Are you concerned about your diet, iron loss or symptoms such as tiredness or fatigue? If so, the first thing to do is see your GP. They will be able to give you a diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment if your iron levels are too low. If you are medically diagnosed with iron deficiency, diet alone will not treat it.2 Remember to choose Ferro-grad C® if your doctor recommends a therapeutic oral iron supplement.

References:

  1. Ahmed F et al. Iron status among Australian adults: findings of a population based study in Queensland, Australia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008; 17 (1):40-47. Accessed 14 March 2023.
  2. Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Iron deficiency clinical update; 2022. Accessed 23 January 2023.
  3. Pasricha SS et al. Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anaemia: a clinical update. Med J Aust. 2010;193:525-532. Accessed 23 January 2023.
  4. Australian Red Cross. Lifeblood. Iron health and blood donation; 2023. https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/learn-about-blood/iron-health Accessed 23 January 2023.

FGC-2023-0008. March 2023.

#Most widely used brand of therapeutic oral iron supplement, based on cumulative total of IQVIA sales data in the last 10 years.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
For use when you have been diagnosed as iron deficient and your doctor has recommended a therapeutic oral iron supplement.

Ferro-grad C contains ferrous sulfate 325 mg (equivalent to 105 mg elemental iron) and sodium ascorbate 562.4 mg (equivalent to 500 mg Vitamin C).

Ferro-grad C is a Viatris trademark. Copyright © 2022 Viatris Inc. All rights reserved. Viatris Pty Ltd. Level 1, 30-34 Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000. Tel 1800 314 527. FGC-2022-0047. Prepared April 2022.