Most of us strive to eat a balanced diet daily. However, due to our busy work lives, this may not always be possible. We may fall short of important nutrients needed for our body to function normally. One such element is iron. Iron helps our body to make red blood cells (RBCs), which are the cells that supply oxygen throughout the body. If our bodies do not have enough iron, it directly affects the number of RBCs produced, which in turn can lead to multiple health problems like fatigue, loss of energy, and headaches. This deficiency is termed as anemia.

Doctors usually prescribe iron injections to treat anemia. Anemia can also be treated with changes in diet, by including more iron-rich foods and/or taking iron in the form of pills. If this is not sufficient, the doctor will recommend iron injections.

Iron injections deliver the required dose of iron directly into the muscles. These injections are normally given on the rear. In some cases, iron injections are also given as infusions, wherein the iron is slowly passed into the body using an IV drip. The dosage needed varies from person to person, depending on body type and deficiency. Therefore, iron injections should always be taken under medical supervision only.

Iron injections are prescribed in case the patient cannot take iron orally, is unable to absorb iron via the stomach, has lost a lot of blood and is in urgent need of iron, or has a chronic kidney ailment.

Having sufficient iron in your body will allow the body to produce the right amount of hemoglobin, which helps the body stay strong and healthy. This can help in case the patient is severely anemic. The physical benefits also include an increase in energy levels and relatively easier breathing. How long these benefits last depends on the body and also the nature of anemia. It will also depend on what other methods are used to increase iron levels.

Other benefits of taking iron injections are:

• Improvement in the quality of skin
  Iron injections release iron directly into the bloodstream. This iron is then used by the body to produce red blood cells. This entire process that takes place inside the body reflects how your skin appears from the outside. Adequate iron and hemoglobin in your body translate into the soft, supple and healthy-looking skin.
• Improvement in the quality of hair
  A lack of iron in the blood may cause hair to become dry, dull, brittle, and fall out in excess. Iron injections boost the amount of iron in the body, thus helping hair to regain and maintain its natural shine. Alternatively, iron and zinc rich foods can also be incorporated into the meal, like cornflakes. For those who follow a vegetarian diet, add plenty of lentils and soybean to meals can help aid in healthy hair growth.
• Improvement in the quality of nails
  Lack of iron means lack of hemoglobin further resulting in a lack of adequate oxygen to the nails.  This results in dull, brittle nails that can break easily and cause pain. They also look unhealthy. Iron is necessary for the nails to stay healthy. Iron injections can provide the requisite iron dosage, which can help your nails grow strong and healthy.

It is recommended to include iron-rich foods in one’s daily diet, to prevent iron deficiency. However, it is best to consult a doctor before consuming any type of iron supplement.