Dr. Shalini Hitkari Naturopathic Physician

Intravenous Iron Infusion Consultation and Administration

Iron Deficiency & Ferritin Clinical Assessment: Comprehensive Evaluation & Individualized Management

Iron is an essential mineral required for oxygen transport and metabolic function. When iron stores become depleted—commonly identified through serum ferritin testing—it can impact overall health and well-being.

At our clinic, we offer clinical consultations and laboratory testing to evaluate your iron status, assess potential underlying causes of low iron, and determine appropriate, evidence-informed care plans.

Diagnostic Evaluation & Cause Assessment

During your consultation, Dr. Hitkari ND will review:

Your current and previous bloodwork
Iron-related laboratory markers
Your medical history and current medications
Symptoms and relevant clinical history
Previous use of oral iron
Possible causes of iron deficiency or ongoing iron loss
Other factors that may affect whether intravenous treatment is appropriate

Understanding Iron Deficiency

Many causes can lead to low iron. Here are some of the most common:

Inadequate dietary intake – not eating enough iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, lentils, or leafy greens.
Poor absorption – conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, low stomach acid, or certain medications (e.g., antacids, PPIs) can reduce iron absorption.
Blood loss – even small but ongoing losses (from heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or frequent blood donation) can deplete iron stores over time.
Increased needs – during pregnancy, breastfeeding, adolescence, or periods of rapid growth, the body’s demand for iron rises.
Chronic inflammation or illness – ongoing inflammatory or autoimmune conditions can interfere with how iron is used and stored.
Low stomach acid can impair the conversion of dietary iron into its absorbable form.
Vegan or vegetarian diets – plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less easily absorbed than iron from animal sources.
Athletic training – endurance exercise and frequent sweating can increase iron losses and demands.

Before starting treatment, it’s essential to understand why your iron levels are low. Identifying the root cause helps make sure your levels stay healthy long-term.

Potential Symptoms of Iron Deficiency:

Feeling unusually tired or low in energy
Trouble sleeping or frequent restless legs at night
Needing daytime naps or feeling drained in the afternoon
Mood changes such as anxiety or depression
Frequent headaches or lightheaded spells
Racing heartbeat or a fluttering sensation (palpitations)
Dizziness or feeling faint when standing up
Becoming sick more often than others
Pale or dull skin tone
Thinning hair or increased hair shedding
Reduced sex drive
Cold hands and feet
Mouth sensitivity or recurring canker sores
Pale inner eyelids (conjunctiva)
Shortness of breath or general weakness

What to expect during appointments

IV Iron Initial Appointment (Virtual)

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost: $150

During the initial appointment, Dr. Hitkari ND will review your health history and laboratory results and discuss whether intravenous iron is an appropriate treatment option.

The potential benefits, risks, and alternatives will be reviewed as part of the informed-consent process.

If intravenous iron is considered appropriate and within your individual treatment plan, Dr. Hitkari ND will provide the prescription and arrange for the medication to be dispensed by a pharmacy.

IV Iron Infusion Appointment

Duration: 60–90 minutes

Cost: $250 per infusion

The prescribed medication is obtained through a pharmacy and administered at the clinic.

You will be monitored during the administration and for an appropriate period afterward. Potential side effects, risks, and precautions will be reviewed with you before treatment.

Please arrive having eaten and adequately hydrated unless you have been given different instructions.

Follow-up

Follow-up laboratory testing may be recommended after treatment to assess your iron status and determine whether additional treatment or investigation is appropriate.

The timing of follow-up testing will depend on your individual circumstances and the prescribed medication.

Ongoing management should also address the underlying cause of iron deficiency where possible.

Prescription Medication Cost & Insurance

Initial consultation: $150
Intravenous administration appointment: $250

The prescribed medication is a separate cost from the clinic administration fee.

Prescription drug coverage varies between insurance plans. Your pharmacist or insurance provider can confirm whether the prescribed medication is covered under your individual plan.

Coverage for naturopathic services also varies between extended health plans. We recommend confirming your coverage directly with your insurance provider.

Book an Appointment

If you have laboratory results indicating iron deficiency and would like to discuss whether intravenous treatment may be appropriate for you, you can book an initial consultation with Dr. Hitkari ND.

A consultation does not guarantee that intravenous treatment will be recommended. Treatment decisions are made following an individual clinical assessment.