3 Oct 2026
Iron Deficiency: Signs, Blood Tests & Getting The Most From Iron Supplements | Pharmacist Explains
Could you be iron deficient without realizing it? Iron deficiency can develop long before anemia, and some of the signs are surprisingly easy to miss.In this video, pharmacist Lindsay Dixon explains the common signs of iron deficiency, which blood tests matter (including ferritin and hemoglobin), and how to take iron supplements effectively. Learn how to choose an iron supplement, understand elemental iron, improve iron absorption, manage side effects, avoid important food and medication interactions, and know when oral iron may not be enough.Plus, discover one of the biggest mistakes people make when treating iron deficiency—and why feeling better doesn’t necessarily mean your iron stores have been fully replenished.Sign-up For My Evidence-based Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/b0fff5a29e30/1t6mpaybi5Chapters:0:00 - Low in Iron?1:22 - What Is Iron Deficiency? 2:13 - Signs & Symptoms of Iron Deficiency3:29 - Iron Blood Tests and Lab Values 5:22 - Best Iron Supplement | How to Choose an Iron Supplement7:20 - Maximizing Iron Absorption | Best Iron Absorption 12:00 - Iron Side Effects | Managing Iron Side Effects 13:30 - Why Iron Supplements Fail 14:27 - When Iron Isn't Working | Iron Replacement Therapy15:16 - Plan for Correcting Iron Deficiency PODCAST INFO: Email: https://mailchi.mp/b0fff5a29e30/1t6mpaybi5Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/friendly-pharmacy-5/id1705305284?i=1000655712263Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aTnjJS6ASafv16G1DvWjD?si=yclKqLLaR6yFw-ag6lBVGQAmazon Music: https://amzn.asia/d/5xHD8GERSS: https://anchor.fm/s/e65b192c/podcast/rssLindsay Dixon is a registered Pharmacist residing in Canada. She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Brazil where she specialized in the area of Pharmacotherapy. With over 13 years of experience working in community pharmacy and in community pharmacy management, her passion lies in the areas of preventative medicine, patient-centred care, and public health education. In addition to being a licensed Pharmacist in the province of British Columbia, Lindsay is also certified Palliative Care through the University of Victoria and became certified in Migraine Care through Migraine Canada in 2023.Lindsay was the recipient of the Ben Gant Practice Innovation award from the BC Pharmacy Association in 2021 and was most recently selected by Pharmacy Practice & Business Magazine as the recipient of the Raise Your Voice Award in 2022. To see some of my favourite products, please visit this link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/friendlypharmacy5(As an Amazon Associate, Lindsay earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any product using the post above, you are helping Lindsay to maintain this channel.)SOCIALS:https://www.instagram.com/friendlypharmacy5/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/FriendlyPharmacy5https://twitter.com/LindsayDixonFP5DISCLAIMER: All content in this video and description including information, opinions, content, references, and links is for informational purposes only. The Author does not provide any medical advice on the site. Nothing contained in this video or its description is intended to establish a pharmacist-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult a licensed physician or appropriately credentialed health care worker in your community in all matters relating to your health. Also, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. All non-licensed clips used are for fair use commentary, criticism, and educational purposes.#IronDeficiency #IronSupplements #Ferritin #IronDeficiencyAnemia #Pharmacist