Tired? The Iron + Vitamin C Hack

If you’re constantly feeling tired, foggy or short of breath, low iron could be the cause.
It’s one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in women — and it’s not just about feeling exhausted. Low iron can make it harder to exercise, slow your metabolism, and even stall your weight loss progress.

The good news? Sometimes the solution isn’t just more iron, it’s better iron absorption — and that’s where nutrient synergy comes in.

What Is Nutrient Synergy?

Nutrient synergy is when two or more nutrients work together so your body can absorb and use them more effectively.
When it comes to low iron, pairing it with the right partner nutrient can dramatically increase how much your body actually uses — and help you feel more energised, more focused, and more motivated to move.

The Iron + Vitamin C Power Combo

There are two types of dietary iron:

• Heme iron – from animal products (absorbed more easily)

• Non-heme iron – from plant-based sources (absorbed less easily without help)

Vitamin C is the secret weapon that boosts absorption, especially for non-heme iron.

Try these simple pairings:

• Lean beef stir-fry with capsicum and broccoli

• Spinach salad with strawberries and citrus dressing

• Lentil soup with fresh parsley and lemon juice

💡 Melbourne Coffee Lovers Tip: Coffee and tea can block iron absorption — so save your latte for at least an hour after eating an iron-rich meal.

Why This Matters for Weight Loss

Low iron doesn’t just leave you feeling flat — it can also:

• Make workouts feel harder and slow recovery

• Lower your metabolism by affecting thyroid function

• Increase fatigue-driven food cravings

• Reduce motivation to exercise

If you’ve been trying to lose weight but feel like you’re constantly running on empty, improving your iron status could be a game-changer.

Where to Start

• Shop fresh at  local markets — Melbournians thinks Queen Vic, Prahran, South Melbourne or your local farms market— for vibrant produce rich in both iron and vitamin C.

• Focus on combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources in the same meal.

• Talk to your GP before supplementing — too much iron can also cause issues.

The Bottom Line:
If you’re tired of feeling tired, it might be time to look beyond calories and focus on the quality — and combinations — of the nutrients on your plate.

As a Melbourne-based Women’s Nutrition & Mindset Coach, I help women fuel their bodies in a way that boosts energy, supports weight loss, and feels sustainable for real life.

📍 Based in Melbourne | 🌏 Online coaching available