Iron Therapy at TruMedCentral Edmonton Location
We offer Edmonton numerous iron repletion options Experienced with all formats of iron |
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Energy |
Revving up energy is the number one benefit seen |
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Cognition |
Improving iron levels can frequently improve mental clarity |
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Mood |
Often times mood can improve following optimized iron levels |
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Miscellaneous |
Body temperature, exercise tolerance, restless legs and more! |
What to Expect
Before any treatment, we'll do a complimentary 15 minute consult
Please bring previous labs or be able to log into the MyHealth Alberta app
Treatment is usually set up one to two weeks after your consult
We've streamlined the process for Edmonton to try Iron Treatments
Why TruMed?
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✓ Four Naturopathic Doctors
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Iron Therapy FAQ
How does iron therapy work?
Iron therapy has unique mechanisms for absorption and distribution.
In office iron therapy, bypasses the digestive tract and provide clinically relevant doses.
An iron-carbohydrate complex is taken up by macrophages and iron is then released and either stored as part of the protein ferritin or transported (by transferrin) to various cells.
What does iron therapy cost?
Costs of iron vary depending on doses used - often times between $300 to $600.
Many patients are able to receive reimbursement through their benefits for the cost of the iron.
Treatment fee is $265 - you'll have a dedicated nurse supervised by our Nurse Practitioner.
Do I need a consultation before receiving iron?
Yes, you need a consultation prior.
But don't worry, your initial iron therapy consultation is complimentary.
This consultation takes about 15 minutes, and we can usually get you in to do one within about a week.
How long does it take to get in for an iron treatment?
We can usually get you in for a treatment within one to two weeks.
This can be booked as soon as you have completed your iron consultation.
How often does someone need treatment?
How often someone needs iron treatment depends on initial ferritin and hemoglobin.
After initial treatment, you will be provided a requisition for testing approximately 4 weeks later.
Most commonly, patients require one or two treatments within about a month of each other.
Often times, a single treatment can raise ferritin levels between 80 to 100 (µg/L).
How safe is iron therapy?
By using well established doses, dilutions and rates, it's remarkably safe.
In about 5% of patients the following can be seen: flushing, headache, flu-like symptoms, rashes, joint pain or joint swelling, muscle pain or muscle cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation.
The incidence of anaphylaxis is about .004% or 1 in 25,000 iron treatments.
Interested?
Give us a call
780 757 8378
Iron Therapy
We have significant experience working with iron therapy
Iron deficiency can affect energy, mood, focus and more!
We have numerous options for iron therapy
Let's dive into all things iron.
All About Iron
Iron Biochemistry
Many know it's a component of hemoglobin, and is therefore essential for the delivery of oxygen.
It's part of cytochromes in the electron-transport chain and plays a role in mitochondrial energy production.
Iron is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormone.
It's also needed for the conversion of tyrosine to dopamine.
Lastly, iron plays a role in immune function.
Because of its above roles, we always screen our Edmonton patients with fatigue for iron deficiency.
Iron Absorption
Heme iron (found in meat, poultry, and fish) is well absorbed, a 15–35% absorption rate.
Nonheme iron (from plant foods and in supplements) has 2–20% absorption.
Also, nonheme iron is inhibited by substances in plant foods like phytates and polyphenols.
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of nonheme iron.
Stomach acid is needed to transform ferric (Fe2+) iron to ferrous (Fe3+) iron.
We work with a number of highly absorbable forms of iron therapy at our Edmonton office.
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Iron Deficiency Symptoms |
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Fatigue Decreased aerobic capacity Muscle fatigue Impaired concentration Mood disturbances |
Hair loss Restless legs Heavy menses Impaired immunity Cold intolerance |
Measuring Iron Levels
No one test provides perfectly reliable information about iron status.
In most cases, a combination of tests gives a more accurate picture than does any single test.
Ferritin levels are the main measurement we use for iron status.
Serum iron (as well as saturation index and TIBC) are also helpful.
Complete blood count (with attention to hemoglobin and MCV) are also beneficial.
The practitioners at TruMed work with all of these tests but rely mostly on ferritin levels.
Iron Deficiency Therapy
Most patients are treated with OTC irοո because it is generally effective, and inexpensive.
However, up to 70 percent of patients report gastrointestinal side effects from standard iron.
In our Edmonton patients we frequently see regular iron ineffective in rectifying low levels.
Our practitioners will discuss what iron options are most suitable for your case.