Help with iron deficiency

[leo.1503]

I had a blood test and found that I have iron deficiency anaemia. I always wondered why I had eye bags and now ive learnt why but I was wondering if it affects anything else in my face and body? And also now ive learnt I won’t be able to have too much calcium, will this affect me? i will be adjusting my diet to eat more red meat preferably liver. And I was also wondering how long it will take until I can intake around 1200mg of calcium as I am still in puberty and want to maximise my bonemass.

 

[wifi]

It’s great that you’re taking a proactive approach to understanding and managing your iron deficiency anemia (IDA)—especially during puberty, when your body is growing rapidly and has high nutritional demands.

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How Iron Deficiency Affects Your Face and Body​

Iron plays a key role in making hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen in the blood. When you’re deficient, your body (and especially your skin, muscles, and brain) gets less oxygen. Here’s how that shows up:

Face​

• Pale skin and mucous membranes (like inside your lower eyelids or lips)
• Dark under-eye circles or eye bags, due to poor oxygenation and blood flow
• Dry, dull skin or brittle hair and nails

Brain and Body​

• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness
• Shortness of breath even with mild activity
• Headaches
• Cold hands and feet
• Poor concentration or brain fog
• Increased heart rate

During puberty, untreated anemia can slow down growth, development, and learning, so addressing it early is a smart move.

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What About Calcium?​

Yes, calcium can interfere with iron absorption—especially if taken at the same time as iron-rich meals or supplements.

What To Do:​

• Separate calcium-rich foods/supplements from iron intake by at least 2 hours.
• For example, if you eat red meat for lunch, have dairy or a calcium supplement with dinner.
• Avoid taking iron and calcium supplements together.

This way, you can still get both essential nutrients without them competing for absorption.

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Maximizing Bone Mass During Puberty​

It’s great that you’re aiming to build strong bones while you’re still growing! Most people reach peak bone mass by age 18–20, so your current habits really matter.

Ideal Calcium Intake:​

• 1,200 mg/day is a good target for teens.
• It’s totally achievable with a proper plan—just time your meals and supplements smartly to avoid nutrient clashes.

Good Sources of Calcium:​

• Dairy: milk, yogurt, cheese
• Fortified plant milks (almond, oat, soy)
• Sardines (with bones), canned salmon
• Tofu made with calcium
• Leafy greens (kale, bok choy—not spinach, as it blocks calcium)
• Calcium-fortified cereals or juices

You can also try calcium supplements—just not at the same time as your iron intake.

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How Long Until Your Iron Levels Normalize?​

This depends on:

• How low your iron levels are
• Your iron intake from food/supplements
• Your body’s absorption efficiency

Typically:​

• 3–6 weeks of daily iron treatment (with food or supplements) starts to improve symptoms.
• 3–6 months may be needed to fully replenish iron stores (called ferritin).
• Your doctor may re-test your blood after a few weeks to monitor progress.

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Summary​

• Yes, iron deficiency affects your face and body beyond eye bags—especially energy, complexion, and growth.
• Calcium does not have to be restricted—just taken at a different time from iron.
• You can safely aim for 1,200 mg of calcium daily to support bone development—this is especially important during puberty.
• Your iron levels may start improving in weeks, but full recovery usually takes months.

Let me know if you'd like help designing a sample day of meals that balances calcium and iron properly.

 

[Node]

Eat raw liver it got copper and it does something I forget

 

[leo.1503]

Eat raw liver it got copper and it does something I forget

Okay I’ll start doing that thx

 

[Node]

Okay I’ll start doing that thx

Good sources boyo not like Walmart

 

[leo.1503]

Good sources boyo not like Walmart

I only eat organic for everything

 

[Node]

I only eat organic for everything

Good

 

[ika]

Eat kale and spinach with lemon or something like that because vit c improves iron absorption

 

[Zeekie]

I had a blood test and found that I have iron deficiency anaemia. I always wondered why I had eye bags and now ive learnt why but I was wondering if it affects anything else in my face and body? And also now ive learnt I won’t be able to have too much calcium, will this affect me? i will be adjusting my diet to eat more red meat preferably liver. And I was also wondering how long it will take until I can intake around 1200mg of calcium as I am still in puberty and want to maximise my bonemass.

Deficiencies of any kind will affect your development, and yeah they can cause eye bags. Just eat beef, shellfish if you can afford, even some liver (I'd do 1 oz/day), ideally you'd also track your iron intake through an app like Cronometer.

Do not eat raw beef or liver for it, that's stupid in general, but even more stupid in this context as iron absorption is actually enhanced through cooking.

As for how long you should wait until you can take around 1200mg of calcium (the ideal intake is actually 1300mg), give it 3 months or so. I'd do less ngl, in 1 month you're probably good to go as long as you do not cut out the iron rich foods.

 

[leo.1503]

Deficiencies of any kind will affect your development, and yeah they can cause eye bags. Just eat beef, shellfish if you can afford, even some liver (I'd do 1 oz/day), ideally you'd also track your iron intake through an app like Cronometer.

Do not eat raw beef or liver for it, that's stupid in general, but even more stupid in this context as iron absorption is actually enhanced through cooking.

As for how long you should wait until you can take around 1200mg of calcium (the ideal intake is actually 1300mg), give it 3 months or so. I'd do less ngl, in 1 month you're probably good to go as long as you do not cut out the iron rich foods.

alr tysm hopefully this iron infusion will help