Iron Infusions and Weight Gain

Iron deficiency can cause weight gain due to lower metabolic rate and overall lethargy leading to less physical activity but so can giving bolus iron via iron infusions.
Free iron is highly oxidative. And when you receive an iron infusion you are not getting iron bound to protein like transferrin or ferritin. You are getting a supraphysiologic amount of a highly reactive mineral put directly into your blood.
Oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial damage are hallmarks of obesity just as getting an iron infusion promotes these same effects.
This is why we want to reserve iron infusions for the worst cases of iron deficiency where no other methods are working or in emergency situations where the benefit far outweighs the risk to the patient.
A consistent steady rise in iron is what we want to aim for. This way you can experience all of the benefits of restored iron levels without the negative DNA damage.
#DrWholeness #OptimizeIron #IronInfusions
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[@maddcurtis5190]

I had an Iron infusion and gained 10lbs in under a month, but for the first time in 10 years my hemoglobin is normal. I hate my weight but I hated anemia symptoms more. 100% worth it to not feel like I'm dying everyday.

[@carolinelaronda4523]

Same thing happened to me however my hemoglobin didn’t raise until I took a B12 injection in the form of methylcobalamin

[@mellixagarza2399]

I just had my second dose of Iron and I’ve gained almost 9 lbs in 2 weeks. It’s killing me mentally and I don’t know what to do anymore! I am very healthy and exercise. How long did it take for the effects to go away for you?

[@NonniRenee]

i pray i’m able to gain weight after my 5 sessions 🙏🏽🩷

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

​@@mellixagarza2399 have you lost the weight?

[@Princejamyute]

I recently had an infusion approximately 6 weeks ago. It was a last ditch effort from my GP. I have acid reflux and poor stomach absorption hence that process. I am not as lethargic as I once was. However, I have been having tingling and numbness in my fingers and toes. I did a repeat of my blood work to include my anemia panel few days ago. Awaiting those results to see how we proceed.

[@laangelalittles5953]

Hello Dr Matt, I have been receiving iron infusion for the 3yrs Enfed was the name of the iron infusion after my iron infusion on last year I feel bloated and fatigued and swelling in my hands and feet and thinking of mohair is brittle and nails also which I believe are some of side effects of the iron infusions .I decided I'm not taking anymore iron infusions after watching this video WOW. Definitely looking into a alternative way.

[@MsRenaissance]

Hello Dr Matt. What are your thoughts on Floradix iron rablets? It is saud to be mild enough for khds do you think it can cse rfe same the issues?

[@RingoDingo222]

Hey Dr. Matt, Should I reduce exercise intensity when trying to raise ferritin levels? I’ve been dealing with brain fog, fatigue, worsening aches, and low exercise performance for a while now and wasn’t sure why. Got a blood test and my ferritin came back as 20, no anemia, everything else was normal. My primary care doctor said a ferritin of 20 was a bit low but not concerning and told me not to supplement, but after coming across more videos I think it may be the root of my issues. Do you think ferritin could be causing some of these symptoms? Bought your supplement, hoping that’ll help raise my levels.

[@DrWholeness]

Yes high potential your ferritin level is a sign that low iron is effecting your performance.

[@somcana]

My ferritin wa 6 😮

[@cmartinez20261]

Hi Dr. Matt, unfortunately my doctor didn't warn me about this and now I am noticing this effect. How does long does this take to go away ? I am already eating healthy enough and doing a high amount of exercise. Is there any extra actions I should take to avoid the weight gain? Thanks .

[@DrWholeness]

I usually will use antioxidants and liver support to help lower the burden of bolus iron via IV. drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/glutathione-plus

[@marlac.876]

Been supplementing for 6+ months and can barely get my ferritin above 30 because of my monthly cycles. Supplements bother my stomach + so I’m finally going for the infusion. This video scares me a little about it though :(. I have weighed the pros and cons for SO long, never heard about weight gain. Does this cause long term inflammation or just in the short term?

[@DrWholeness]

If you go with iron infusions the supplementing the antioxidants could help help. Glutathione for instance drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/glutathione-plus

[@DrWholeness]

Are you heavily symptomatic? Did you try Blood Vitality? drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/blood-vitality-1

[@theresasmith1]

Your video sure made me refuse about having these transfusions and to find the problem causing it. I'm taking 350 mg a day of iron med due to my iron level very low at 6. Plus, I've been eating every iron source possible including using a cast iron pan to cook. After 2 months went for blood work 3 days ago and hoping its up. Yes very hard on my stomach and i told the specialist I'm allergic to steroids and sulfa drugs. My concern is allergic reaction as have so many already. I do have white matter brain disease , severe migrains , 2 cariod arteries with blockages 50 and 69 percent. , Ive already had 3 Tias within past year. Plus left thyroid removed and on synthroid. I'm Only in my 50s. I'll Let you know my progress. I did try looking for iron tonic or lower doses and none available anywhere.

[@kaoruyamazaki5724]

I am gaining weight on just oral supplementation. And I’m not even taking that much. I’ve heard how iron lowers Lepto and increases ghrelin. As soon as I started taking iron, it also stopped my period (im taking a very low amount-only 20mg/day). Any idea what’s going on even though I am not doing an infusion? Also, any thoughts on beef liver? I fear vitamin a toxicity but it seems so good for you. Thanks!

[@DrWholeness]

Yikes! May want to get GI support on hand and change type of iron. drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/gut-support/products/gi-relief

[@DrWholeness]

@@laurenb916 come again?

[@meganluciano0]

Hi Dr. Matt! I have a bit of a complex situation.I’ve had low ferritin levels and b12 levels for as long as I can remember. Recently diagnosed with chronic gastritis so no amount of supplements can help raise either since my stomach won’t absorb it so I’m doing a round of 3 sessions of iron infusions and weekly b12 injections. Just recently found out my ANA was positive and my TPO was very high (however TSH and T4 were normal). Working with my doc to figure out what autoimmune condition is causing this since it’s now affecting my gut too. Now my question for you is if I’m doing these iron infusions and my TPO is already high and I have gastritis, what can I do to prevent additional weight gain?

[@DrWholeness]

drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/gut-support/products/dao B12 sublingual drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/methyl-b12-5-mthf All the best!

[@edwinio2593]

How did you progress with this ? Pls advice

[@MariamMariam-ue7vz]

I bet you have H Pylori.

[@catalinarestrepo6054]

Hi Dr. Matt! Thank you for this video. I received two iron infusions (couldn't supplement with oral iron because of gastric condition and was very low on ferritin due to 6 weeks of heavy bleeding from IUD). My last infusion was on 8/24 and I've since gained 4-5 pounds. Do you see that the weight gain typically continues beyond one month out? I just added NAC to my daily regimen, is there anything else I can do to help speed up the process? I definitely feel bloated and like I am retaining water. I also had pretty strong reactions to the infusions themselves (fever, chills etc).

[@DrWholeness]

NAC is a good idea. I often support with cytokine balancing agents, since fluid retention related usually has an underlying inflammatory process. Enviro Protect is my go to. drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/enviro-protect

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

have your Lost the weight your gained?

[@catalinarestrepo6054]

@@andreacollalvarez6947 Yes I did - it was temporary for me!

[@marshajones8958]

I didn’t ask any questions but was told I needed iron infusions. Past menopause so I wonder why. Had my first one today not even considering it could be bad.

[@MoonriseJT-Official]

Hi Dr. Matt, No wonder I gained weight. I received one blood infusion and four iron infusions in less than a year due to my anemia caused by a fibroid in my uterus. I was experiencing uncontrollable bleeding for four straight months. To prevent further bleeding and potential death, I had to take Tranexamic, which was the only medication that could stop it. At that time, my hemoglobin level was only 3.2, which was concerning. My doctor administered the infusions and prepared me for surgery. Thankfully, the fibroid is now gone, but I've noticed that my body has become larger. My Iron has gone up and is all good now. Do you have any recommendations for people like me who needed to undergo iron infusions? I'm certain that my DNA has been affected, and I'm wondering how I can return to my normal weight. How long does it typically take for the body to eliminate these excess fluids?

[@Shells84]

Wow you just described my issues. 😢. I feel you.

[@carolinelaronda4523]

Hemoglobin at 3.2?? Was that a typo ?

[@MoonriseJT-Official]

@@carolinelaronda4523 No, not at all! That's precisely why I'm sharing my story it's crazy how bodies adjust to any dramatic changes. I'm happy that I'm doing much better now 🙂

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

​@@MoonriseJT-Official did you Lost your weight?

[@chell3678]

Hi! I had a ferritin level of 9 it’s been at 10 since 2012, due to heavy bleeding. I’ve never felt bad but my Dr suggested I have iron infusions. I did and I’ve gained 20 lbs and feel worse now. Anything I can do to help with the weight gain? Detox or supplements?

[@DrWholeness]

So sorry to hear that. This article will help. drwholeness.com/blog/iron-infusion-how-to-minimize-side-effects/

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

did you Lost It ?

[@Mevmotto]

How about eating lamb liver? Is eating liver every day ok for a severely anemic person like myself ok?

[@hafsasheikh5271]

Which supplement should we take to increase ferritin and not the haemoglobin,sir?

[@DrWholeness]

Www.optimizeiron.com for help.

[@manjitmani1885]

I feel so energetic and active after iron infusion but i am gaining my weight and making me sad, every day I am crying when I dresse up. Please suggest me what i have to do?. Thanks

[@muskaansiddiqui3185]

Hi Dr. MATT. Been on supplement for 6 months due to iron deficiency anaemia. In these 6 months i have gained 6 kgs. And it's been one month i have stopped taking iron supplements but I'm still gaining weight like after every 15 days i feel like I've gained more and more weight. What should i do? It has made me so insecure about my body. It feels so depressing .

[@DrWholeness]

Do you still need iron? Did you figure out where you were losing the iron? What type of iron are you taking?

[@muskaansiddiqui3185]

@Dr. Matt Angove i was diagnosed with hypochromic microcytic anaemia. They gave me ferrous ascorbate and folic acid capsules along with few other medicines for gastritis and something related to nerve. Was on that medication for 6 months. Now my haemoglobin is normal. So they advised me to stop taking meds. But still I'm gaining weight.

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

​@@muskaansiddiqui3185 what kind of nerveoills wer you talking?

[@ThyroidlessWarrior]

I always feel so swollen when my ferritin gets so low! I have no thyroid. I feel it in my belly and face

[@DrWholeness]

Understandable as low iron is going to cause lowered metabolic activity and essentially really mad cells.

[@TheMissySue]

can i take blood vitality along with beef liver supplements?

[@DrWholeness]

Yes

[@TheMissySue]

@@DrWholeness perfect, just ordered! i’m pregnant with a ferritin of 14, should i start with 2-3 capsules?

[@DrWholeness]

@@TheMissySue I generally do 2 capsules for less than 20

[@SuperCelliott]

I’m glad my doctor is doing oral supplements first.

[@hfjodorova]

Would blood donation also help with helping to lose the gained weight from the infusion. I have been so active and if anything, eating less after the infusion but I keep gaining weight and nothing seems to help. I feel bloated every day. It makes me So sad as my doctor didn’t warn me.

[@annamew]

Were you able to lose the weight? The same thing is happening to me!

[@sabairam3292]

@@annamewplease let me know if anything works I’m going through same problem

[@annamew]

@@sabairam3292 I got my infusions done in May this year and ended up gaining almost 10 pounds but now I have stopped gaining weight recently but am still stuck with the weight as of now. In order to stop gaining weight I had to be really strict with intermittent fasting the past month to balance out my hunger hormones again which has worked so now im no longer insanely hungry. I just purchased this thing called ARMRA Colostrum to help get my body back in balance because I've read really good things about it. I'm only on day 2 of taking it so far though so too soon to see results. How much weight have you ended up gaining from the infusions and how long has it been for you? It's so frustrating because it makes us feel so out of control of our bodies and I wish my doctor would have warned me but instead he told me there are 0 side effects when I asked him :(

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

have you tried sauna?

[@Shells84]

Omg why don’t they tell you this!!!! My hair is going grey early and skin is dry. Hair brittle. Ferritin was 3 and hemoglobin 6. Had a high dose of monoferruc. No side effects but now just took venofer. Massive side effects. Chest pain etc. omg.

[@DrWholeness]

Check www.optimizeiron.com

[@laurenclear893]

I've had borderline anemia most of my life, and also living with one kidney. PA put me on Fe tabs 325mg dly x 6 months. Weight gain 20 pounds. Do I really need Fe since my near-anemia state was my normal?

[@DrWholeness]

Definitely want to be careful with excess iron. If you are gaining weight with iron, it is having more of an inflammatory effect. Be sure to check your ferritin? www.optimizeiron.com

[@donnarodgers7076]

I had an Iron infusion 2 weeks ago & already 2kg weight gain. How do you lose the excess weight? is it temporary?

[@DrWholeness]

antioxidant support often helps...I use glutathione or NAC. drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/glutathione-plus

[@donnarodgers7076]

@@DrWholeness thank you. I'm in Australia though. any suggestions on what to buy here?

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

​@@donnarodgers7076 hace yo Lost the weight?

[@serious7179]

I found out from my physician that I had a ferritin level of five, which is deathly low I've heard. About a month ago, I started taking a heme iron supplement, about 40 mg a day. I also started taking vitamin D 3 with it and a vitamin b complex about 2 weeks in. This past monday, I upped my iron to 60 mg a day, and I've been feeling bloated and have gained a few pounds since Monday and it's only Wednesday :-( is this a temporary weight gain from upping my iron? Also, what's the amount and duration of iron you would suggest for someone in my situation who has such a low ferritin level? Any help you can provide would be a great value, thank you!

[@DrWholeness]

60mg of elemental iron is a lot of iron. I generally use for my patients 15-30mg and get excellent results with no GI side effects. check out www.optimizeiron.com

[@serious7179]

@@DrWholeness thanks! I'm actually taking heme (non-elemental) iron...does that make a difference or is 60 mg still too much?

[@DrWholeness]

@@serious7179you can see how you do. Keep checking iron levels. The fact that it is supplemental tends to be the thing that matters, heme or non-heme.

[@serious7179]

@@DrWholeness ah, I see. Thanks again; will do 😊

[@ambikarana9388]

I gained 18 kg after 3 iron infusion. I cannot go back to my normal weight and I feel burdened with my new weight. Again I have to do iron infusion and I am scared to gain more weight.

[@MariamMariam-ue7vz]

How much iron did you receive in each infusion and which type of iron was it? Was it venofer or monoferric?

[@athirasnair6951]

Hi sir, I am your new subscriber from India. I had a question to ask. My vit d3 23 & ferritin 32, iron level is okay. There are no other health issues. I'm taking d3 medicine for 3 months course now its been 3 weeks now , but the doctor didn't give me the ferritin medicine and told me it wasn't a problem. Do I need to take ferritin medicine? Hair fall, which began at the age of 17, has not yet turned into 28 years of age. The scalp is clearly visible because of the thickness of the hair. I am female.I've seen a lot of doctors, but no one has told me the cause of my hairfall. I'm very sad. I hope you will give me a proper answer, sir, please. Thank you. 🙏😊

[@DrWholeness]

It could be because of iron. Often times hair regrowth won’t happen until ferritin levels are over 70.

[@athirasnair6951]

@@DrWholeness Sir, may I take ferrous sulphate with folic acid tablet for 3 months..

[@DrWholeness]

@@athirasnair6951 I don’t use ferrous sulfate or Folic acid with patients.

[@athirasnair6951]

@@DrWholeness And which tablet should i use for this, sir? Could you tell me something.. 🙏😊It will be very helpful to me..

[@DrWholeness]

@@athirasnair6951 I use Blood Vitality it has the active B vitamins along with iron and the synergistic minerals. drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/blood-vitality-1

[@kimhill9241]

Dehydrated Grass feed beef liver is the only supplement that will get my iron sats up. The transfusions make you feel terrible.

[@DrWholeness]

Great to hear you found help.

[@njodlifestyles2811]

Doctor my iron level is 20 can i get iron infution. .. i am so tired and fell dezzyness and falling hair like crazy plz help me what yo do iron supplements not working

[@DrWholeness]

Check out www.optimizeiron.com

[@njodlifestyles2811]

@@DrWholeness dr can I take iron infusion with ferritin level 20

[@MichaelErnest666]

​@@njodlifestyles2811Go To The Emergency Room 🙄

[@njodlifestyles2811]

​@@MichaelErnest666why

[@fatihalamqadmi3752]

I have anemia and I struggle to gain weight, is that because of anemia?? Because I really I eat so much and I eat everything I think healthy too

[@DrWholeness]

You may a malabsorption issue effecting both the anemia and low body weight.

[@fatihalamqadmi3752]

@@DrWholeness thank you for your answer I will make a research about it and I will consult it with my doctor

[@carolinelaronda4523]

I 100% regret my iron infusion I only had one my ferritin Rose from a three to about 115 but three weeks later it was back down to 16 so that’s almost anemic in a matter of three weeks gained 10 pounds on top of weight gain that I had already put on from being anemic and I felt like absolute crap. I will never do another one again, I just recently had an endometrial ablation to stop my heavy. So I’m hoping to see some improvement in my energy levels due to the fact that I will not be hemorrhaging monthly.

[@Mynameisntme]

How did you gain weight? It just happened or it increased your appetite?

[@nimraa2115]

Hi does having an ion infusion cause weight gain

[@DrWholeness]

Yes this can be the case

[@savingme4807]

Will the weight come off easily? I gained 7lbs after 6 infusions.

[@DrWholeness]

@@savingme4807 in my experience it tends to be pretty slow in coming off. drwholeness.myshopify.com/collections/nutritional-supplements/products/glutathione-plus

[@MichaelErnest666]

And Plus Now I Can't Stop Eating Even When I'm Full 😞😭🤣😡

[@nenalyn07]

I did 4 months of weekly iron infusion and I have gain almost 30 lbs the 1st 15lbs in the first month in the half and I told my doctor this is making me gain weight rapidly in my last visit he just recommended an anti-inflammatory diet. Now next week I have an appt .its been 3 months since my last infusion hopefully my level have stayed normal because I dont want more infusion nor more gain weight.

[@learnandspeakenglishwithme8953]

Did they happen to put you on contraceptive?

[@tendays456]

Hey have you lost any of the weight I just keep gaining, I’m at 40lbs now

[@missionpilot9291]

My heart Doc gave me an iron infusion last week for what ever reason.he just said that it would make me feel better. I wound up in the ER that night. My iron was not low and I felt perfectly fine before this. I now feel totally “polluted”. They totally changed all of my meds up too. I took it all once and felt like a zombie. I am now scared to death to take anything anymore. They feel like they are not helping you if they are not doing “something” and constantly giving you drugs I felt completely fine and was totally stable before they did this shit.

[@DrWholeness]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear that. I hope this article helps. drwholeness.com/blog/iron-infusion-how-to-minimize-side-effects/

[@missionpilot9291]

@@DrWholeness I was not / am not iron deficient I feel like I’ve eaten 100 fried chickens at one sitting.

[@AmberO]

Are you guys gaining weight due to increased appetite due to the infusion? Or are you gaining weight due to the iron chemical mixing in your body?

[@DrWholeness]

Check out the microbiome upgrade program to help kick your system back in gear 👍🏻drwholeness.activehosted.com/f/36

[@EricaYE6]

Go to the gym.

[@DrWholeness]

Love a good workout! 💪🏼

[@boop79]

Yea but if the weight doesn’t come off due to water retention? Easier said than done

[@DrWholeness]

@@boop79 100% another reason I make every effort to keep patients from IV iron.

[@andreacollalvarez6947]

​@@boop79 try sauna