Iron & Celiac Disease: My Journey, What I Learned, and How I Finally Got My Levels Back Up

Iron deficiency is something I’ve struggled with most of my adult life — long before I even knew it had anything to do with celiac disease. When I was first diagnosed, no one told me how important mineral absorption is, especially when it comes to iron. I ate what I thought was a healthy, varied diet, and my iron always hovered in the low-normal range. Not optimal, but technically “within range.”

But everything changed when I started having kids.

After my second child was born, my iron levels crashed in a way I had never experienced. Looking back, it all made sense — but at the time, I felt like my body was shutting down.

How It All Started: The Symptoms No One Took Seriously

About eight months postpartum, once my period returned, I started feeling horrible. Not just "tired mom" tired — this was bone-deep exhaustion.

• I was dizzy all the time

• My muscles felt weak and achy

• Resting didn’t help

• I felt like I was moving through cement

• My postpartum hair loss never stopped

• My mood and energy were in the basement

I went to my family doctor repeatedly, trying to explain that something felt wrong. She told me it was “normal exhaustion with two young kids in a pandemic.” Another time she suggested it was anxiety.

No bloodwork. No testing. Just dismissal.

I left every appointment feeling defeated and unheard — like maybe it really was just in my head.

A New Doctor, A Simple Test, and Finally an Answer

After moving houses, I got a new family doctor — and thank goodness I did. He listened. He ordered bloodwork right away.

My ferritin came back at 10.Ten.

Everything suddenly made sense. Ferritin is your iron storage, and while the “normal” range varies, most women feel best between 100–150. Sitting at 10 explained every symptom I had.

We started prescription iron, but it backfired quickly.

I had:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Cramping

It was brutal. My levels were creeping up, but I was so sick that it wasn’t sustainable.

My doctor referred me to a GI specialist who finally said what no one had ever told me:“Celiacs often can’t tolerate oral iron — it just sits there.”

It was the first time I learned that malabsorption is a major issue with celiac disease, even when eating gluten-free.

Why Celiac Disease Causes Iron Deficiency

This is the part I wish I had known from day one.

1. The Small Intestine Gets Damaged

Celiac disease inflames and flattens the villi — tiny hairlike structures that absorb nutrients.Iron is absorbed in the duodenum and upper small intestine, which are usually the most damaged in celiacs.

2. Even After Going Gluten-Free, Absorption Can Be Slow

The intestine heals, but it’s not instant. Some people absorb normally in months; others take years.

3. Oral Iron Is Often Hard to Tolerate

Nausea, constipation, diarrhea — especially in people with gut inflammation.This makes consistent supplementation nearly impossible.

4. Pregnancy & Postpartum Increase Iron Needs

Pregnancy increases blood volume. Postpartum bleeding + periods + breastfeeding = major iron use.

5. Celiac Women Have Higher Rates of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Studies show up to 70% of newly diagnosed celiacs are iron deficient.

My Turning Point: Iron Infusions During Pregnancy

During my third pregnancy, I developed complete placenta previa and had significant bleeding. I became severely anemic and even fainted.

That's when I finally received iron infusions — three of them before giving birth.

It changed everything.

My ferritin slowly climbed into a healthy range, and when I tested a couple of months ago, I was sitting around 95 — the highest I’ve ever been.

Between the infusions and the changes I’ve made, I finally feel like myself again.

What I’m Doing Now to Maintain Healthy Iron Levels

This part is important because everyone’s body is different — especially for celiacs — but these have worked for me:

✔ 1. Eating an Iron-Rich Diet

I focus on both heme iron (from animals) and non-heme iron (from plants).

Best heme sources:

• Beef (especially ground beef)

• Lamb

• Chicken thighs

• Turkey

• Liver (if you can tolerate it)

• Mussels or oysters

Best plant-based sources:

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Pumpkin seeds

• Spinach

• Quinoa

• White beans

• Tofu

✔ 2. Adding Vitamin C to Boost Absorption

Vitamin C increases absorption up to 4x.So I pair iron-rich foods with:

• Citrus

• Strawberries

• Bell peppers

• Tomatoes

• Broccoli

✔ 3. Avoiding Iron Blockers Around Meals

This was a game changer. I space these out:

• Coffee

• Tea

• Dairy

• Calcium supplements

• High-fiber meals

• Eggs (which contain a natural inhibitor)

✔ 4. Taking NFH Prenatal SAP

It’s gentle, gut-friendly, and designed for people with sensitivities.I tolerate it so much better than pharmacy iron.

✔ 5. Taking Extra Iron During My Period

My doctor recommended this because menstruation is one of the biggest causes of low ferritin in women.

✔ 6. Considering Future Infusions If Needed

My GI said this is the best option for celiacs who struggle with absorption — and honestly, I believe him.

✔ 7. Being Mindful While Breastfeeding

I had no idea breastfeeding contributes to iron loss.So now I support my levels more intentionally.

Iron-Rich Meal Ideas (Celiac-Friendly)

Here are simple everyday meals that help:

Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs + spinach + berries

• Oatmeal with pumpkin seeds + chia

• Smoothie with spinach, strawberries, and vitamin C-rich fruit

Lunch

• Ground beef taco bowl with rice and salsa

• Lentil soup

• Chicken thigh salad with peppers & tomatoes

Dinner

• Beef chili

• Baked chicken thighs with quinoa

• Turkey meatballs with tomato sauce (vitamin C!)

Snacks

• Pumpkin seeds

• Hummus

• Apple slices (vitamin C)

Iron, Celiac Disease & Motherhood — What I Want Other Women to Know

My journey showed me something important:

Feeling exhausted is NOT normal.Feeling dizzy is NOT normal.Hair loss that never stops is NOT normal.

So many celiac women — especially moms — struggle with undiagnosed iron deficiency because symptoms get blamed on stress, anxiety, or “busy mom life.”

But you know your body.

If something feels off, ask for bloodwork. Ask again if you need to. Advocate for yourself until someone listens.

Iron deficiency is treatable. And when your levels finally rise, you feel like you’re getting your life back.

#CeliacLife #CeliacMom #GlutenFreeWellness #IronDeficiencyAnemia #LowFerritin #CeliacAwarenessMonth #GlutenFree