Can Iron Deficiency Cause Extreme Fatigue at Work?

Yes. Iron deficiency definitely causes extreme fatigue at work, especially if the deficiency has led to iron-deficiency anaemia.

Iron is necessary for the formation of haemoglobin which transports oxygen in the blood. Low levels of iron mean that muscles and brain might receive low amounts of oxygen leading to a higher level of tiredness while doing normal things. Mayo Clinic specifically mentions "extreme fatigue" among symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia along with weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat, pale skin, cold hands/feet, brittle nails, and craving for ice and other items.

In addition to affecting work performance dramatically, iron deficiency can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability even before it reaches anaemia stage, as described by NICE.

To add Tzana context, Chelon is presented as an iron supplement for iron deficiency with ferrous bisglycinate equivalent to iron 30 mg plus vitamin C, as it was explained in the sales handbook because vitamin C helps in iron absorption, and Chelon is used to treat iron deficiency in adults and children. The visual aid describes Chelon as "an Iron Amino acid Chelate" with ferrous bisglycinate and vitamin C, with effects appearing in 6 weeks.

Still, not all extreme fatigue is due to iron deficiency. Extreme fatigue can be a result of low B12, vitamin D deficiency, hypothyroidism, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression/stress, infections, problems with kidneys/liver, and others. The testing panel would include: CBC, haemoglobin, ferritin, serum iron/TIBC or transferrin saturation, B12, folate, TSH, vitamin D, HbA1c, and potentially liver/kidney function.

An adult male with iron deficiency should have his case investigated in terms of its causes, including blood loss through the digestive tract, piles, gastritis/ulcer, frequent NSAID intake, poor diet, malabsorption or blood donation recently. Immediate care should be sought if fatigue is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath at rest, black stool, or very fast/irregular heartbeat.