Why Does Lack of Iron Cause Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, which occurs when your body does not have enough of the mineral iron. Your body needs iron to produce a protein called hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to your body’s tissues. Your tissues and muscles need oxygen to function effectively.

Anemia occurs when a person has lower-than-normal levels of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. There are many factors that can contribute to lower-than-normal RBC counts, including age, viral infections, and certain chronic diseases.

Iron-deficiency anemia can also be caused by a poor diet or by certain intestinal diseases that affect how the body absorbs iron. In women of child-bearing age, the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia is loss of iron in blood due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy. The condition is normally treated with iron supplements. 

CAUSES:

There are many reasons why a person might become deficient in iron. These include:

Inadequate Iron Intake

Pregnant women and young children may need even more iron in their diet, as it is essential during times of rapid growth and development. Iron can be found in foods such as meat, eggs, and some green vegetables. Eating too little iron over an extended amount of time can cause a shortage in your body.

Pregnancy or Blood Loss Due to Menstruation

The heavy menstrual bleeding or blood loss during childbirth is the most common causes of iron-deficiency anemia in women of child-bearing age.

Internal Bleeding

Certain medical conditions can cause internal bleeding, which can lead to iron-deficient anemia. Examples include an ulcer in your stomach, polyps (tissue growths) in the colon or intestines, or colon cancer. Regular use of pain relievers, such as aspirin, can also cause bleeding in the stomach.

Inability to Absorb Iron

Even if you get enough iron in your diet, Celiac disease or an intestinal surgery such as gastric bypass may limit the amount of iron your body can absorb. Certain disorders or surgeries that affect the intestines can also interfere with how your body absorbs iron.

RISK:

Anemia is a common condition and can occur in both men and women, in all ages and ethnic groups.

The risk for iron-deficiency anemia is higher in the following groups:

• Women of child-bearing age
• Pregnant women
• People with poor diets
• Frequent blood donors
• Infants and children, especially those born prematurely or experiencing a growth spurt
• Vegetarians who do not replace meat with another iron-rich food

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms of moderate to severe iron-deficiency anemia include:

• General fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Strange cravings for non-food items, such as dirt, ice, and clay
• Tingling or a crawling feeling in the legs
• Swelling or soreness in the tongue
• Cold hands and feet
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Brittle nails
• Headaches

DIAGNOSIS:

A doctor can diagnose anemia with blood tests. These include:

Complete Blood Cell (CBC) Test

A CBC test measures the amount of all components in the blood, including:

• RBCs
• white blood cells (WBCs)
• hemoglobin
• hematocrit
• platelets

The CBC test provides information about your blood that is helpful in diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia. This information includes:

• hematocrit levels (percent of blood volume that is made up by RBCs)
• hemoglobin levels
• size of your RBCs

In iron-deficiency anemia, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels are low. RBCs are usually smaller in size than normal.

A CBC test is often performed as part of a routine physical examination. It is a good indicator of a person’s overall health. 

COMPLICATIONS:

If anemia or iron deficiency is not treated, it can lead to other health problems, including:

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

When you are anemic, your heart must pump more blood to compensate for the low amount of oxygen. This can lead to irregular heartbeat, or in severe cases, heart failure or an enlarged heart may occur.

Pregnancy Complications

In severe cases of iron deficiency, a child may be born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Most pregnant women take iron supplements as part of their prenatal care to prevent this from happening.

Delayed Growth in Infants and Children

Infants and children who are severely deficient in iron may experience a delay in their growth and development. They may also be more susceptible to infections.

TREATMENT:

Iron Supplements

Iron tablets can help restore iron levels in your body. If possible, you should take the iron tablets on an empty stomach to improve absorption. If they upset your stomach, they can be taken with meals. You may need to take the supplements for several months. Iron supplements may cause constipation or stools that are black in color.

Diet

Diets high in red meat, dark leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, and iron-fortified cereals can help treat or prevent iron deficiency. Additionally, vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. If you are taking iron tablets, a doctor might suggest taking the tablets along with a source of vitamin C, like a glass of orange juice or citrus fruit.

Treating the Underlying Cause of Bleeding

Iron supplements will not help if the deficiency is caused by excess bleeding. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) might be prescribed to women who experience heavy periods to reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding each month.

In the most severe cases, a blood transfusion can replace iron and blood loss quickly.

PREVENTION:

When caused by inadequate iron intake, iron-deficiency anemia can be prevented by eating a diet high in iron-rich foods and vitamin C. Mothers should make sure to feed their babies breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.

Foods high in iron include:

• Meat (such as lamb, pork, chicken, and beef)
• Beans
• Pumpkin and Squash Seeds
• Leafy Greens, Such as Spinach
• Raisins and other Dried Fruit
• Eggs
• Seafood, Such as Clams, Sardines, Shrimp, and Oysters
• Iron-Fortified Dry and Instant Cereals

Foods high in vitamin C include:

• Citrus Fruits (such as oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwis, guava, papaya, pineapple, melons, and mango)
• Broccoli
• Red and Green bell peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Leafy greens

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