Nurse's 

Note

My name is Rayan and I am one of the three college nurses at ICOM. This edition of ‘Nurses Notes’ will focus on iron deficiency, a common presentation we see in the sickbay.

What is Iron?

Iron is a mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. It is important for energy production, concentration and supporting overall good health.

Who is at risk?

Very common in high school students especially with: 

• Students who are on a vegetarian or low meat diet 
• Students who skip or have a poor diet
• Students that have trouble absorbing iron 
• Female students menstruating

 Signs and Symptoms of low iron

• Tiredness or low energy (especially after having a good night sleep)
• Difficulty concentrating (this can then affect student’s grades and quality of work)
• Pale skin
• Headaches
• Irritable
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath 
• Overall weakness

It is best to go to the GP to do a blood test to check ferritin/iron levels.

Treatment

Depending on how low the result of iron levels is, the first step in increasing your iron levels is to take oral supplements. It’s important to take these supplements as directed and often alongside vitamin C, like orange juice, which helps to better absorb the iron supplement. The key is to be consistent for at least 3 months alongside diet changes. 

If levels are still low, your doctor may recommend an iron transfusion which can be done at selective clinics or Royal Children’s Hospital. 

Food/Diet

You can also boost iron through foods such as:

• Red meat
• Chicken
• Fish
• Leafy greens/vegetables (spinach, broccoli)
• Legumes (lentils, beans)
• Dried fruit (sultanas, dates)

Medication

Please find below a list of medication you can take to assist in cases where iron levels are low. We recommend shopping around when purchasing supplements as prices can vary drastically. Generally, we find Chemist Warehouse to have the most competitive prices.

Ferro-Grad and Maltofer are brands of iron tablet that are often recommended, although these option can be quite expensive. We have recommended a more cost-effective option below, in the brand ‘Ferro F’.

Currently there is only one Liquid Iron supplement that we recommend, and that is the ‘Maltofer’ brand.

The most common side effect of iron is constipation. Below are links to stool softeners to take if constipation occurs.

You can talk to your pharmacist for more advice or if you are unsure about what to take. 

More information on Iron Deficiency 

More information on Iron Deficiency can be found via the links below:

If a student has low iron levels which is impacting their daily routine or school work, please don’t hesitate to inform the college nurse, as to allow for special considerations with assessments. Keeping iron levels healthy helps your child feel better, concentrate more in school and stay active!

If you have any questions, please call the college or email us at nurse@icom.vic.edu.au.