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Topic Overview
Iron-deficiency anemia is caused by low iron levels in the body. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.
Much of the iron our bodies absorb is stored in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. When there is not enough iron in the bloodstream, the body uses the bone marrow reserves. If this iron stored in the bone marrow is low or depleted, red blood cells do not form properly: they are smaller than usual (microcytosis) and fewer are produced. As a result, less hemoglobin is available to transport oxygen throughout the body.
When iron storage gets low, the corresponding low hemoglobin levels may cause a person to experience symptoms and physical signs of iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include fatigue, dizziness, irritability, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath during exercise. The condition can also create a pale appearance, brittle nails, and cracked lips.
The three major causes of iron-deficiency anemia are:
- Iron loss from chronic or excessive bleeding .
- Decreased ability to absorb iron .
- Insufficient iron intake .
Iron-deficiency anemia is the leading nutritional deficiency in the world and the most common type of anemia .
The recommended dietary allowance for iron varies by age and gender. In general, women are more likely than men to develop iron-deficiency anemia because of their increased iron needs due to menstrual bleeding and pregnancy .
When iron-deficiency anemia is suspected, blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment to get iron stores back to normal may include:
- Iron supplementation.
- Diet changes.
- Treating any underlying problems, such as blood loss, that might be causing the iron deficiency.
If left untreated, iron-deficiency anemia can cause:
- Increased fatigue.
- Short attention span.
- Weakened immune system.
- A decreased ability to process information.
- Developmental and behavioral problems in young children and infants that may be permanent.
Pregnant women and children age 5 and younger are at the highest risk for developing complications as a result of iron-deficiency anemia .
