Iron Deficiency – Symptoms and Causes

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

The body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, and without enough iron, hemoglobin levels drop. As a result, red blood cells cannot transport sufficient oxygen, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.

Treatment for this condition typically focuses on:

• Iron supplements – Available in pill, liquid, or injection forms.
• Dietary changes – Adding iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens.
• Treating underlying causes – Addressing issues like internal bleeding.

Most people can correct their anemia through iron supplementation, but it may take several months to rebuild iron stores. In severe cases, healthcare providers might recommend further testing to identify possible sources of blood loss.

Signs and Worry Signals

Iron deficiency anemia typically begins subtly, with only a few noticeable symptoms. As iron levels drop further, symptoms become more pronounced.

Common symptoms to watch for:

• Unusual fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Muscle weakness
• Heart problems (chest pain, racing heartbeat, breathing trouble)
• Headaches and dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Sore or swollen tongue
• Brittle Nails
• Strange cravings, like ice, dirt, or starch
• Loss of appetite (especially in babies and children)

Without enough oxygen, your organs and tissues can’t work properly, causing the symptoms above.

When to See a Doctor

Visit your doctor if you notice signs of iron deficiency anemia in yourself or your child. This condition requires medical diagnosis rather than self-treatment.

Important warning: Don’t take iron supplements without medical guidance. Excess iron can be toxic, leading to liver damage and other health complications.

A healthcare professional can determine the correct diagnosis and treatment plan for your specific situation.

Why Iron Deficiency Anemia Happens

Iron deficiency anemia develops when the body lacks enough iron to make hemoglobin. This shortage can result from several underlying causes:

Blood Loss

One major cause of iron deficiency anemia is blood loss. Since red blood cells contain iron, losing blood means losing iron as well. This can happen in several ways:

• Heavy menstrual periods in women.
• Internal bleeding from conditions like:
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Hiatal hernias
  • Colonic polyps
  • Colorectal cancer
• Medication side effects from regular use of certain pain relievers, particularly aspirin.

Poor Diet

Not getting enough iron from food can lead to a deficiency over time. The body needs regular iron intake from sources such as:

• Meat and eggs
• Leafy green vegetables
• Iron-fortified foods

Infants and children require higher iron intake for proper growth and brain development.

Absorption Problems

Even with adequate iron intake, certain conditions can prevent your body from using it properly:

1. Intestinal disorders like celiac disease interfere with nutrient absorption
2. Surgical procedures involving the small intestine can reduce iron absorption
3. Certain medications may affect how well iron is absorbed

Pregnancy Demands

Pregnant women face a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia because their bodies need to:

• Support their own increased blood volume
• Provide hemoglobin for the growing baby

Without iron supplements, many pregnant women develop anemia because their combined demands quickly deplete iron stores.

Risk Factors

Several groups face higher chances of developing iron deficiency anemia:

• Children and infants. Babies born early or with low birth weight might not get enough iron from breast milk or formula.
• Vegetarians and vegans. Plant-based iron is harder to absorb than animal-based iron, increasing the risk of deficiency.
• Consistent blood donors. Frequent blood donation can lower iron levels, but this is usually temporary and correctable through diet.

Complications

Untreated iron deficiency anemia can lead to serious health issues. While mild cases often cause few problems, severe anemia can affect multiple body systems.

Heart complications may develop as the heart works harder to move oxygen-poor blood throughout the body. This extra strain can cause irregular heartbeats, heart enlargement, or even heart failure in extreme cases.

Pregnant women with severe iron deficiency face increased risks of delivering babies prematurely or with low birth weight. Getting iron supplements during pregnancy can prevent these complications.

Children with iron deficiency may experience:

• Slowed growth and development
• Delayed milestones
• Weakened immune systems
• More frequent infections

For people of all ages, severe anemia can decrease energy levels and make daily activities difficult.

Ways to Prevent Iron Deficiency

Eat Iron-Rich Foods

Your diet plays a key role in preventing iron deficiency. Include these iron-rich foods in your meals:

• Beef, chicken, and pork
• Fish and shellfish
• Beans and lentils
• Spinach and other dark leafy greens
• Dried fruits like raisins and apricots
• Iron-fortified foods (cereals, bread, pasta)
• Green peas

Vegetarians and vegans should consume more plant-based iron sources to meet their iron needs.

Boost Iron Absorption with Vitamin C

Your body can absorb iron better when you pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C.

Try drinking a glass of orange juice with your meals or adding vitamin C-rich foods to iron-rich dishes.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Strawberries and kiwi
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Melons
• Leafy greens

For example, you might add sliced strawberries to your iron-fortified cereal or bell peppers to your bean dish.

Keep Babies Safe from Iron Deficiency

Babies need special attention to prevent iron deficiency. Feed babies with breast milk or iron-fortified formula for their first year.

Do not give cow’s milk before age 1, as it is poor in iron. Start iron-fortified cereals or pureed meats around 6 months. After age 1, limit milk to 20 ounces (591 milliliters) per day.

Too much milk can fill up small stomachs and leave little room for iron-rich foods. Talk with your doctor about your baby’s specific iron needs during checkups.