You’re Not Lazy, It Might Be Iron Deficiency

When was the last time you checked your iron levels?

Always tired, even after sleeping well? Feel like your body is carrying a bag of cement?

You are not alone.

It’s not just stress. It could be iron deficiency, one of the most overlooked causes of fatigue in Nigeria.

Many people, especially women, suffer silently, blaming hustle, work, or laziness. But low iron can lead to constant tiredness, brain fog, and even shortness of breath.

Here’s how to know if it’s iron deficiency and what to do about it.

What Is Iron Deficiency, and Why Should You Care?

Iron is a mineral your body needs to produce haemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body. Without enough iron, your body struggles to make healthy red blood cells, which means less oxygen to fuel your organs, muscles, and brain.

This causes symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and a constant feeling of being “off.”

Did you know that about one in four Nigerian women are low on iron and most do not even know it? When was the last time you checked your iron level?

Why Is Iron Deficiency So Common in Nigeria?

Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Factors that make it even more common here include:

• Iron-deficient diets
• Parasitic infections like malaria
• Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
• Frequent pregnancies without iron supplementation

Signs You Might Be Low on Iron (Even If You Feel “Fine”)

1 in 4 Nigerian women are iron deficient. You do not need to collapse before realising something is wrong. Iron deficiency creeps in quietly. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

• Constant tiredness or fatigue
• Pale skin or pale inner eyelids
• Shortness of breath with minimal effort
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches and dizziness
• Restless legs or inability to stay still
• Fast heartbeat, especially after light activity
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Brittle nails

The only way to know for sure if you are low on iron is to do a simple blood test. At Mariam Grey Pharmacy, we offer quick, affordable tests that check your iron levels and haemoglobin.

If you test low, we guide you on the next steps. No self-medication, no wrong diagnosis.

How to Boost Your Iron Levels Naturally

If your iron is low, the first step is to improve your diet. Here are iron-rich Nigerian foods you can start eating more of:

• Liver, beef, chicken, and fish
• Beans and lentils
• Dark leafy vegetables like ugwu, efo, spinach
• Pumpkin seeds, cashews, and groundnuts

Pro Tip: Eat your iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C (like oranges or tomatoes). It helps your body absorb more iron.

Sometimes, food alone is not enough, especially if your levels are really low. That is where iron supplements come in.

At Mariam Grey Pharmacy, we stock a wide range of effective and high-quality iron supplements such as Fesulf, Tothema and Floradix. Iron supplements are available in chewable tablets, capsules and syrup.

But do not just grab any brand. Our pharmacists are always ready to guide you based on your test results and symptoms. You can chat with a pharmacist right away

Who Should Be Taking Iron Seriously?

Some people are more prone to iron deficiency than others. If you fall into any of these categories, you should take extra care:

• Women with heavy periods
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children under 5
• Teenagers, especially girls
• People recovering from illness or surgery
• Vegetarians or people with limited meat intake

If that is you, consider getting tested every few months or as advised by a healthcare provider.

And If you are experiencing any of the following, do not wait:

• Constant fatigue despite good sleep
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin and lips
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat

Get immediate access to Mariam Grey Pharmacy for a quick check. If your case needs medical escalation, we will refer you immediately. You do not have to figure it out alone.

We live in a country where everyone is pushing through stress, but sometimes, your tiredness could be your body waving a red flag.

Do not ignore it.

At Mariam Grey Pharmacy, we believe health education is just as important as the medications we give. That is why, above selling medications, we help you understand what your body is saying and give you real solutions that work.

If these signs sound familiar, get your iron levels checked. You can walk into Mariam Grey Pharmacy or speak with one of our licensed pharmacists online.

Reach out today. Get tested. Feel better.

Share this with someone who is always tired, it might just save them.