Hello OP,
When my twins were about 3y/o I had this. If I am honest with myself, I wasn’t taking good enough care of myself at the time and my diet was rubbish.
This is how it was for me. The tiredness is not just the usual "I need a nap" kind of tired; it's a deep, constant exhaustion. Even after a good night's sleep, it felt like I was still running on empty. Because of low B12, I had brain fog/low cognitive function. I had trouble focusing, feeling spaced out, and sometimes forgetful.
I was also very weak, like I noticed muscle weakness—like simple things, like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, felt a bit more taxing.
I also had lots of people saying “oh you are very pale” and such because with low iron, your skin can look a bit washed out. It’s something that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention.
I experienced dizziness for first time ever, especially when standing up quickly, so you might feel lightheaded, take care.
My treatment was:
Iron Supplements: I was prescribed iron supplements, but here's the trick I learned the hard way—iron can cause stomach upset, constipation, or even make you feel nauseous. Taking it with a small snack or just before bed can sometimes help minimize side effects. Also, try taking it with vitamin C (orange juice or a tablet) as it enhances absorption.
I didn’t feel much improvement with just oral B12, but got B12 injections and they made a huge difference in my energy levels. It’s something that your doctor may recommend if oral supplements aren’t doing the job.
To get back on track, I started eating more iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, lentils, and fortified cereals. Keep in mind that iron from animal sources (heme iron) is absorbed better than plant-based iron (non-heme iron).
I also added more eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals into my diet. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you may need a B12 supplement or fortified foods.
The Nurse at our Practice, told me dehydration can worsen fatigue, so make sure you're drinking enough water. I found this helped with the energy dips throughout the day.
I also benefitted from her Pace not Push advice. When I was low on energy, I had to be strategic about when to exert myself. It's okay to take breaks and rest—there’s no need to push yourself if you’re feeling run down.
Keep in kind,sometimes, low iron or B12 can be a symptom of an underlying problem, like absorption issues (e.g., celiac disease, pernicious anemia, or gut health problems). If you don’t see improvement, it’s worth discussing with your GP to rule out anything else.
FWIW, It took a few weeks for me to notice a real difference in energy levels having started on iron. The full effect can take longer, so don’t lose hope if you don’t feel better immediately.
The B12 injections made me feel better within a couple of days, which was a relief! For those just taking oral supplements, i was told it can take a bit longer—usually a month or so.
Mental Health Consideration:Iron and B12 deficiencies can also affect your mood—depression and irritability are common. I found that just having a bit more energy made a big difference in my outlook.
good luck