Frequently Asked Questions

An iron infusion is a treatment where iron is given directly into your bloodstream through a small vein, allowing your body to absorb it quickly and restore iron levels far more effectively than tablets.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world, affecting up to one in three people globally. When tablets don’t work or cause side effects, intravenous iron therapy offers a proven and efficient alternative.

There is strong medical evidence supporting iron infusions — multiple studies have shown that they safely and rapidly increase iron and haemoglobin levels, often leading to a noticeable improvement in energy and wellbeing within weeks.

At The Iron Infusion Centre in Hertfordshire, all treatments are doctor-led and evidence-based, using modern IV iron formulations, which are well-tolerated and widely used across NHS and private hospitals.

Yes — if your GP has said your iron levels are normal but you still feel tired, we can take a closer look at your blood test results. Sometimes results can appear within the “normal” range, but iron stores (ferritin) may still be low enough to cause symptoms. In some cases — especially if you have inflammatory conditions such as joint pain, gut issues, or autoimmune disorders — ferritin can be falsely high, which can hide an underlying iron deficiency.

Our doctors at The Iron Infusion Centre can review your results in detail and advise whether IV iron therapy may be suitable for you. Even if your tests look normal on paper, a detailed assessment often provides the clarity needed to help you feel better.

Research consistently shows that vegetarians — especially women — are more likely to have low iron levels than people who eat meat. Studies have found rates ranging widely, from around 10% to over 70% in women, and under 2% to nearly 30% in men, depending on diet and region. This is because plant-based sources contain non-heme iron, which is absorbed less efficiently by the body. Those following a vegan diet are at even higher risk.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan and often feel tired, dizzy, or run down, it’s worth getting your ferritin levels checked. Our doctors at The Iron Infusion Centre can review your blood results and advise whether you could benefit from IV iron therapy or simple lifestyle changes.

Yes, a consultation with one of our doctors is required before your IV iron infusion. This allows us to review your blood tests, medical history and symptoms to confirm that intravenous iron is both safe and appropriate for you. Our aim is to make the process simple, evidence-based and tailored to your individual needs.

The infusion itself usually takes around 30 minutes and we ask you to stay for a short observation period afterwards. In total, allow about 1 hour.

When your treatment begins, we'll insert a small cannula into a vein — similar to having a routine blood test. Most people describe this as mildly uncomfortable and it's over within seconds. The remainder of the treatment is pain-free.

The risk of serious side effects is extremely low. Most people feel fine afterwards. Some may notice a metallic taste, mild headache or achy joints transiently and in rare cases for a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare, however we’re fully equipped and experienced to manage them safely.

Repeat blood tests in 6-8 weeks time should show a clear significant rise in iron levels. Some people start to feel better within a few days, while for others, improvement happens more gradually over the following weeks as iron stores are replenished.

We recommend a review and repeat blood test around 6–8 weeks after treatment to make sure your iron levels have improved and to assess how you’re feeling.

You can choose to arrange this with your GP or we can provide this service in-clinic for £100.

While it isn’t mandatory, checking your results helps ensure the treatment has worked as expected and prevents unnecessary repeat infusions. If you prefer not to have a follow-up with us, we’ll give you details of which blood tests to request from your GP.

We send your GP a discharge summary with details of your consultation and treatment, unless you let us know that you’d prefer us not to.

Some insurers may cover the treatment. This will depend on your individual case — including the cause and severity of your iron deficiency — as well as the level of cover provided under your policy. We’ll provide you with all the paperwork you need to make a claim with your insurer.

Consultations and blood tests are paid in full at the time of booking.
For IV iron treatment, a £150 deposit is taken to secure your appointment.
If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, payments are fully refundable or transferable.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before, or non-attendance, are non-refundable.