How do I fix my iron deficiency?

It depends on the severity. Mild depletion in someone without a malabsorption condition can sometimes be addressed through consistent dietary changes, increasing haem iron sources (red meat, poultry, fish) or, for plant-based eaters, pairing non-haem iron foods with vitamin C to improve uptake. For confirmed deficiency with low ferritin, oral iron supplementation is usually the first step: forms like ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, or iron bisglycinate are generally well-tolerated, and taking them on alternate days may improve net absorption. If oral iron causes significant side effects, isn't tolerated, or isn't raising levels after 2-3 months, intravenous iron infusion is an effective clinical alternative that bypasses the gut entirely. Throughout, retesting ferritin after 8-12 weeks of treatment is important. It confirms the intervention is working and guides how long to continue.