Iron Status Blood Test | Test Explainer

Welcome to one of our Rightangled Test Explainers.

In this video we look in more depth at our Iron Status blood test. Iron is essential for growth and development — your body uses it to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs around the body, and myoglobin, which supplies oxygen to your muscles.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and often develops slowly enough that people adapt to feeling tired without realising anything is wrong.

One important note: unexplained iron deficiency always needs a cause identified. In men, and in women past the menopause in particular, it should be investigated by a GP rather than simply corrected with supplements.

Browse our current range of home blood tests and DNA tests. All results are reviewed by our clinical team, which includes GPhC-registered independent prescribers, with medical oversight from our doctor, Dr Abdullah.

For more videos like this, visit our Test Explainer series.

Some products shown in older videos may no longer be available. This video is for general information and does not replace personalised medical advice.