Mini Motivation: Dr Libby Weaver on why low iron matters, and what to do about it

In this mini motivation episode of Healthy Her, host Amelia Phillips dives into the critical yet often overlooked issue of iron deficiency, particularly in women. She interviews Dr. Libby Weaver, a leading nutritional biochemist and author of 'Fix Iron First,' who explains how low iron levels can manifest as fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, and even thyroid dysfunction—symptoms frequently misattributed to mental health or aging. Dr. Libby emphasizes that standard blood test reference ranges may be too lenient, advocating for a minimum ferritin level of 50 µg/L and highlighting subtle markers like elevated transferrin and low saturation as early warning signs. She contrasts traditional iron supplements, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and inflammation, with her innovative ferritin iron supplement derived from organic peas, which bypasses gut degradation and avoids triggering inflammatory responses. The episode also addresses iron overload, hemochromatosis, and the importance of testing for inflammation (like CRP) when ferritin is high. Practical nutrition strategies are shared, including incorporating iron-rich breakfasts like sardines, mussels, and liver pâté, avoiding coffee and tea with meals, and pairing red meat with vitamin C-rich vegetables to boost absorption. The overarching message is that iron is foundational to energy, mood, and hormonal health—and that functional medicine offers a deeper, more personalized approach than conventional care.