Do you feel exhausted, dizzy, or short of breath—even after a full night’s sleep? If so, it might be more than just a busy lifestyle or stress. These could be signs of anaemia—a common but often overlooked condition that affects your body’s ability to carry oxygen.

What Is Anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen in your blood. Without enough oxygen, your body can’t function at its best, leaving you tired, weak, and sometimes breathless.

Anaemia isn’t a disease itself, but a sign that something else is going on. It can develop slowly over time, so many people don’t realise they have it until the symptoms start affecting their daily lives.

Common Symptoms of Anaemia

The symptoms of anaemia can vary depending on its cause and severity. Common signs include:

• Constant fatigue or low energy
• Pale skin or gums
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches
• Trouble concentrating or brain fog

If these symptoms feel familiar, it’s a good idea to check in with your GP. Anaemia is easy to diagnose with a blood test and usually treatable.

How Is Anaemia Diagnosed?

Fortunately, diagnosing anaemia is straightforward. A standard blood test called a full blood count (FBC) can reveal whether your red blood cells or haemoglobin levels are low. If anaemia is confirmed, your doctor may follow up with tests for iron, vitamin B12, and folate levels to pinpoint the cause.

Did you know? Many pharmacies now offer at-home or in-store iron testing kits. These simple finger-prick tests can give you a quick look at your iron levels and help you decide if a doctor’s visit is needed. Brands like BodiSure, i-screen, and LetsGetChecked are popular options available online or through pharmacies. Always speak to a healthcare provider before starting supplements based on these results.

What Causes Anaemia?

There are several types of anaemia, and they can stem from different causes:

1. Iron-Deficiency Anaemia

This is the most common type of anaemia. Your body needs iron to produce haemoglobin. Without enough iron, your body struggles to make the red blood cells needed to transport oxygen. Causes include:

• Poor dietary intake of iron
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pregnancy
• Blood loss from surgery or gastrointestinal issues (e.g., ulcers, polyps)
• Conditions that impair iron absorption like coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

2. Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia

A lack of folate (vitamin B9) or vitamin B12 can also lead to anaemia. These nutrients are essential for making healthy red blood cells. This type is more common in people who:

• Eat a restricted diet (e.g., vegans)
• Have digestive disorders
• Take medications that interfere with absorption

3. Anaemia of Chronic Disease

Certain long-term health conditions can interfere with red blood cell production or shorten their lifespan. Common causes include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic infections or inflammation

4. Genetic and Rare Types

Inherited conditions like thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia are less common in Australia but can lead to severe, lifelong anaemia that requires specialist care.

Who’s at Risk?

While anaemia can affect anyone, certain groups are more prone to developing it:

• Women of childbearing age (due to menstruation or pregnancy)
• Children and teens during growth spurts
• Older adults
• People with chronic health conditions (e.g., kidney disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders)
• Vegetarians or vegans not supplementing with iron or B12
• Athletes, especially endurance runners

If you're in any of these groups and experiencing symptoms, ask your doctor about checking your iron levels.

Treatment Options

Anaemia treatment depends on its cause. Once the underlying issue is identified, treatment might include:

• Iron supplements or intravenous (IV) iron for iron-deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin B12 or folate supplements (oral or injection)
• Dietary changes to increase iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy greens, and legumes
• Addressing root causes, such as treating heavy periods, infections, or gastrointestinal conditions
• Stopping or adjusting medications that may contribute to anaemia
• Blood transfusions in severe or acute cases

Important: Avoid self-medicating with iron tablets. Excess iron can cause toxicity, especially if taken unnecessarily or in high doses.

Choosing the Right Iron Supplement

Here’s a comparison of common iron supplements available over the counter in Australia:

Product	Type of Iron	Elemental Iron	Pros	Side Effects	Notes
Ferro-Grad	Ferrous sulfate +	105 mg	High dose +  Vitamin C improves absorption	Constipation, nausea	Popular and effective
Ferro-F- Tab	Ferrous fumarate	87.4 mg	Smaller tablet size	Possible stomach upset	Lower dose alternative
Maltofer	Iron polymaltose	100 mg	Gentle on stomach	Minimal side effects	Great for long-term use
Fefol	Ferrous sulfate + folic acid	87.4 mg	Good for pregnancy	Constipation, dark stools	Common in prenatal care
SpaTone	Natural iron-rich water	5 mg/sachet	Very gentle and easy to absorb	Rarely causes issues	Good for mild deficiency or sensitive stomachs
FabIron	Iron amino acid chelate	24 mg	Includes B vitamins and folic acid	Mild side effects	Contains herbal ingredients

 

Tips for Choosing:

• Higher iron content isn’t always better—it depends on how well your body tolerates it.
• Take iron with vitamin C (or orange juice) to boost absorption.
• If you get constipated, try Maltofer or SpaTone.
• Fefol is often recommended during pregnancy.

Can Anaemia Be Prevented?

Yes—especially diet-related anaemia. A healthy, balanced diet helps maintain iron and vitamin levels.

Eat more of these iron-rich foods:

• Red meat, chicken, and fish
• Beans, lentils, and tofu
• Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale)
• Fortified cereals and whole grains
• Eggs and dairy products

Helpful tip: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, make sure to include iron-rich plant foods along with a source of vitamin C (like capsicum or citrus)
to help your body absorb the iron.

Medications That Can Cause Anaemia

Some medications can interfere with your body’s ability to make or maintain red blood cells. Examples include:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) – may cause stomach bleeding
• Aspirin – chronic use can lead to blood loss
• Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole) – reduce stomach acid and iron absorption
• Chemotherapy drugs – can damage bone marrow
• Methotrexate – interferes with folate metabolism
• Anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, valproate)
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., sulfonamides)
• HIV medications (e.g., zidovudine)
• Rifampicin (used for tuberculosis)

If you're on long-term medication and experiencing anaemia symptoms, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Final Thoughts
Tiredness is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. Anaemia is one of the leading—and treatable—causes of fatigue. If you're feeling constantly drained or foggy, don’t ignore it. A simple blood or pharmacy test could point you toward the solution.

Your body is always sending signals. Listen to them. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll feel like yourself again.

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