Iron Infusion Therapy

Iron Infusion Therapy - Drs. Misa Kawasaki, Sophia Kotys, ND

More Energy. Better Focus. Get Back to Feeling Like Yourself.

Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout your body and supporting energy production, brain function, and overall health. When your iron stores become depleted, you may notice changes in how you feel long before you realize that low iron is the cause.

You may be tired despite getting enough sleep. Your workouts may feel harder than they used to. You may struggle to concentrate, feel short of breath, experience headaches or dizziness, or simply feel like you don't have the energy you once did.

At Meridian Spine + Sport, we provide individualized iron infusion therapy for patients who have been assessed for iron deficiency and may benefit from intravenous iron.

Could Low Iron Be Affecting How You Feel?

Iron deficiency can affect much more than your energy levels. Common symptoms can include:

Persistent fatigue or low energy
Feeling weak or physically depleted
Reduced exercise tolerance or stamina
Shortness of breath with activity
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
Changes in mood or irritability
Restless legs
Hair shedding or thinning
Feeling cold
Reduced ability to keep up with your normal activities

You don't need to have every symptom to have iron deficiency. Some people experience subtle changes in energy, concentration, or exercise performance before developing more obvious symptoms.

Why Does Iron Deficiency Happen?

There are many possible reasons your iron levels may be low. Common contributors include:

Increased Iron Needs. Periods of rapid growth, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or high levels of physical activity can increase the body's demand for iron.

Blood Loss. Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common cause of iron deficiency. Other sources of blood loss, including gastrointestinal bleeding, can also contribute and should be appropriately investigated.

Inadequate Iron Intake. A diet that doesn't provide enough iron can gradually deplete the body's iron stores

Difficulty Absorbing Iron. Certain conditions (e.g. Celiac disease), gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. IBS, Ulcerative Colitis), previous gastrointestinal surgery, or other factors can interfere with iron absorption.

Increased Demands from Training. Active individuals and athletes may have increased iron requirements, making adequate iron status particularly important for maintaining energy and exercise performance.

The important question isn't simply "How do I get more iron?"—it's "Why are my iron levels low in the first place?"

That's why we begin with an individualized assessment.

Iron Infusion vs. Oral Iron Supplements

Oral iron supplements can be an effective option for many people. However, they aren't ideal for everyone.

Some people experience significant digestive side effects such as constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or changes in bowel habits. Others may take oral iron consistently but still struggle to restore their iron stores because their body isn't absorbing enough.

An iron infusion provides an alternative by delivering iron directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and avoiding the need for intestinal absorption.

An infusion may be considered when:

Ferritin <30 mcg/L (or ferritin >30 mcg/L and transferrin saturation <0.25).
Iron deficiency with insufficient response to > 3 months of oral iron therapy (<30 point increase in ferritin and/or insufficient symptom relief).
Intolerance to oral iron, including significant digestive side effects or allergies.
Conditions associated with poor oral absorption, such as Celiac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Bariatric surgery.
Desire for more rapid symptomatic improvement, particularly when iron deficiency is significantly impacting your quality of life or function.
Ongoing or active iron loss (e.g. heavy menstrual bleeding), where oral absorption is insufficient to compensate.
Your healthcare provider determines that intravenous iron is appropriate

The goal isn't simply to increase a laboratory number. It's to restore iron stores so your body has the resources it needs to function properly.

What Could Improve When Your Iron Levels Improve?

When iron deficiency is contributing to your symptoms, restoring healthy iron levels can make a meaningful difference in everyday life.

Energy & Stamina. You may have more energy to get through your workday, exercise, manage your household, and participate in the activities you enjoy.
Focus & Mental Clarity. Adequate iron supports normal brain function. Improving iron status may help with concentration and the feeling of mental fatigue or "brain fog" associated with deficiency.
Exercise & Physical Performance. Low iron can make physical activity feel more difficult. Restoring iron levels can support oxygen transport and healthy energy production, helping you get back to training and staying active.
Daily Function & Recovery. When you're no longer constantly fighting fatigue, everyday tasks and physical recovery can feel more manageable.
Mood & Quality of Life. Iron deficiency can affect how you feel physically and emotionally. Addressing the deficiency may help you feel more like yourself again.
Hair Health. Iron deficiency can be associated with increased hair shedding. When deficiency is contributing to hair loss, restoring adequate iron stores may support healthier hair growth over time.

Safety & Standards of IV Vitamin Therapy: Is IV Therapy Safe?

Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities. All intravenous (IV) nutrient therapies are administered by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with advanced certification in IV therapy and prescribing authority through the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). Our clinic has also undergone a rigorous inspection process to receive approval from CONO as a designated IV Infusion Therapy facility.

Before beginning treatment, a detailed health assessment and review of recent lab work are completed to ensure iron infusion therapy is both safe and appropriate for your needs. Your Naturopathic Doctor will also collaborate with a Nurse Practitioner for administration your iron infusion. Each formulation is tailored to your health goals, nutrient requirements, and clinical considerations such as kidney function, medications, and G6PD enzyme status when relevant.

We use only pharmaceutical-grade nutrients and sterile, single-use medical supplies. Treatments are prepared and delivered according to Health Canada and CONO safety standards, with continuous monitoring throughout your session to ensure your well-being

Our Safety Measures

Comprehensive medical assessment and informed consent prior to treatment
Adherence to aseptic technique and infection-control standards
Individualized dosing based on your unique health profile
Emergency-readiness protocols and trained clinical staff on site
Ongoing monitoring during and after each infusion
Full compliance with College of Naturopaths of Ontario IV therapy guidelines
In-office administration only (no home visits or mobile therapy)

Important: Iron infusion therapy is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough assessment and review of appropriate blood work are required before treatment. Your Naturopathic Doctor and Nurse Practitioner will determine whether intravenous iron is appropriate for you and discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment. Iron infusions at our clinic are provided by delegation and prescription by a nurse practitioner.

Yor Iron Infusion at Meridian Spine + Sport

Personalized Care Starts with Understanding the Cause

Before recommending an iron infusion, our naturopathic doctors review your health history, symptoms, previous treatment, and relevant laboratory results.

We look at the bigger picture rather than treating a single blood-test result in isolation.

If intravenous iron is appropriate for you, we'll explain the treatment, answer your questions, and develop a plan based on your individual needs.

Your infusion is administered by trained Naturopathic Doctors in our comfortable clinical environment, with appropriate monitoring throughout the treatment.

Let's find out whether low iron could be standing between you and the energy, focus, and active lifestyle.

I'm Interested! How Do I Get Started and What Should I Expect?

Call or Email our clinic. Our helpful patient services staff will provide details of the iron infusion process and answer any questions you may have.
Bloodwork. For iron infusions, recent blood work (within the past 3-6 months) is required. This blood work includes CBC, Creatinine, eGFR, Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation, and CRP. You may bring bloodwork previously performed by your family physician, nurse practitioner or referring naturopathic doctor.
Book an Initial IV Iron Infusion Therapy Visit. Your ND will review your blood work, perform a physical exam, and discuss benefits and risks of iron infusions, and answer any questions you may have. Once your ND has completed the assessment for eligibility of an iron infusion, she will refer you to a nurse practitioner.
Book an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. Iron infusions at our clinic are performed under the directives and delegation of a nurse practitioner. She will also complete an interview with you (virtually), and if eligible, provide you with a prescription for the iron infusion.
Book your Iron Infusion. The appointment takes approximately 60-90 min. during which you can sit back and relax, read a book, sort your photo album, catch up on your favourite podcast, or take a nap!
Referrals. If you are a naturopathic doctor and would like to make a referral for your patient to receive Iron Infusion Therapy, please fill out this form and fax it to our office at (905) 773-5847.

Preparing For Your IV Therapy Session

Dress Comfortably. Please wear a shirt that can roll up above your elbow to allow easy access to your arm. IV therapy generally takes about 60 minutes so you’ll want to wear something you’ll be comfortable sitting in for that time period.

Hydrate. While it seems counterintuitive to hydrate before a therapy whose entire purpose is to provide you with hydration and nutrients, it’s actually very important to drink plenty of water before your IV therapy session. The more hydrated you are the more easily accessible your veins are, making for a more comfortable treatment. Aim to drink at least 2-3 glasses of water before your appointment.

Have Something to Eat. It’s a good idea to have a high protein snack or meal before your IV (you can also bring something to eat during your IV if you like). Some of the vitamins and minerals can have a temporary blood sugar and blood pressure lowering effect which can cause you to feel a little light-headed, dizzy, nauseous and/or faint during or after your IV if you haven’t eaten.

Get Moving. If we are sedentary right before an IV, our vessels may be more difficult to access. Moving around (if this is physically possible for you) is one of the best things you can do to help ensure a successful treatment.

Avoid Over-The-Counter Medications. If you can, avoid antihistamine and decongestant drugs for 24 hours before your IV. These medications have a constricting effect on your blood vessels which can sometimes make it more challenging to access your veins. The use of Advil or aspirin can increase bruising. If you can’t avoid them, be sure to hydrate, have a snack and move a bit before you get seated.

Allow Yourself Enough Time. Give yourself enough time to arrive so you can relax and use the restroom prior to your treatment.

Click here to download the complete document of Pre- & Post-IV Therapy instructions.

Book an Iron Infusion Appointment