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Page Contents:
 
1. What is iron-deficiency anemia
2. symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia
3. causes of iron-deficiency anemia 
4. prevention of iron deficiency anemia
5. Complications
6. Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed
7. Treatment
8. Sources and references
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, a blood disorder that affects your red blood cells. Iron-deficiency symptoms develop over time. Healthcare providers may treat iron-deficiency anemia by diagnosing and treating the condition that caused anemia and/or by prescribing iron supplements.

What is iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
 
While the condition may be common, many people don’t know they have iron-deficiency anemia. It’s possible to experience symptoms for years without knowing the cause.
 
In women of childbearing age, a common cause of iron-deficiency anemiaTrusted Source is a loss of iron in the blood due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy. A poor diet, or certain intestinal diseases that affect how the body absorbs iron, can also cause iron-deficiency anemia.

Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?

The following are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
 
_Abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
_Irritability
_Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
_Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
_Sore or swollen tongue
_Enlarged spleen
_A desire to eat peculiar substances such as dirt or ice (a condition called pica)
 
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

Causes of iron-deficiency anemia

Iron is a key part of red blood cells. Without iron to make hemoglobin, your blood cannot carry oxygen effectively. Your body normally gets iron through your diet.
 
Iron deficiency anemia develops when your body’s iron stores run low. This can occur because:
 
_Bleeding can cause iron loss. Common causes of bleeding are:
 
*Heavy, long, or frequent menstrual periods
*Cancer in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, or colon
*Esophageal varices, often from cirrhosis
*The use of aspirin, ibuprofen, or medicines that may thin the blood for a long time, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding
*Peptic ulcer disease
 
_Your body may not absorb enough iron in your diet due to:
 
*Celiac disease
*Crohn disease
*Gastric bypass surgery
*Taking too many antacids or too much of the antibiotic tetracycline
 
_You may not get enough iron in your diet if:
 
*You are a strict vegetarian
*You do not eat enough foods that contain iron

How do you prevent iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia may be preventable if you are able to treat the causes of blood loss or problems with iron absorption that can lead to the condition.
 
It is also always a good idea to help the body keep iron levels where they need to be by maintaining a healthy diet that includes good sources of iron and vitamin C.
 
*Good sources of iron include beans, dried fruits, eggs, lean red meat, salmon, iron-fortified breads and cereals, peas, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables.
*Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes help your body absorb iron.
*Ensure that toddlers eat enough solid foods that are rich in iron.

Complications of iron-deficiency anemia

The complications of iron deficiency anemia include:
 
*Increased risk of infections
*Heart conditions
*Developmental delay in children
*Pregnancy complications
*Depression

Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?

To diagnose anemia, your health care provider may order these blood tests:
 
*Complete blood count (CBC)
*Reticulocyte count
 
To check iron levels, your provider may order:
 
*Serum iron level
*Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in the blood
*Serum ferritin
*Bone marrow biopsy (if the diagnosis is not clear)
 
To check for causes of blood loss, your provider may order:
 
*Colonoscopy
*Fecal occult blood test
*Upper endoscopy
*Tests to detect sources of blood loss in the urinary tract or uterus

Treatment for iron deficiency anaemia

Treatment may include taking iron supplements and eating iron-rich foods.
 
Iron supplements (most often ferrous sulfate) build up the iron stores in your body. Most of the time, your provider will measure your iron level before you start supplements.
 
If you cannot take iron by mouth, you may need to take it through a vein (intravenous) or by an injection into the muscle.
 
Pregnant and breastfeeding women will need to take extra iron because they often cannot get enough iron from their normal diet.
 
Often your anemia will improve or resolve with 6 weeks of iron therapy. You will need to keep taking iron for another 6 months to replace your body’s iron stores in your bone marrow.
 
Iron supplements are mostly well tolerated, but may cause:
 
*Nausea
*Vomiting
*Constipation
 
Iron-rich foods include:
 
*Chicken and turkey
*Dried lentils, peas, and beans
*Fish
*Meats (liver is the highest source)
*Soybeans, baked beans, chickpeas
*Whole-grain bread
 
Other sources include:
 
*Oatmeal
*Raisins, prunes, apricots, and peanuts
*Spinach, kale, and other greens
 
Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron. Good sources of vitamin C are:
 
Oranges, Grapefruits, Kiwi, Strawberries, Broccoli, Tomatoes
Sources and references
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448065/
https://www.healthline.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia#takeaway
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irondeficiency-anemia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000584.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22824-iron-deficiency-anemia
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