Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by excessive blood loss or reduced iron absorption or intake. It can be treated with oral iron supplementation, though there is a wide range of individual tolerance for, and effectiveness of, iron supplements.
Iron Deficiency Anemia falls under theCardiovascular Healthcategory.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition caused by insufficient iron, which leads to decreased hemoglobin production and results in small red blood cells. Hemoglobin, which contains iron, is essential for transporting oxygen to the body's tissues.
Iron deficiency anemia may cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, pallor, irritability, headache, and poor exercise tolerance, and some individuals may experience pica. Serious symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, trouble swallowing, and blood in stool or urine require immediate medical attention.
Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed by measuring hemoglobin levels; there are specific thresholds for men, nonpregnant women, and pregnant women, and anemia is confirmed through serum ferritin testing, which indicates iron stores. Additional bloodwork may reveal low mean corpuscular volume and mean cell hemoglobin, and further tests may be conducted to investigate potential gastrointestinal causes, if necessary.
The primary treatment for iron deficiency anemia is oral iron supplementation, and ferrous sulfate is commonly prescribed at doses of 100 to 200 milligrams per day. Although side effects like constipation and nausea can occur, alternate-day dosing may enhance iron absorption, and other formulations may be better tolerated.
Supplementation with algae like spirulina and chlorella may improve iron deficiency anemia; some of the evidence comes from a human trial that involved malnourished infants. Additionally, iron supplements often include vitamin B12 and folate to address potential deficiencies, and antioxidant vitamins may also be beneficial due to increased oxidative stress in the affected individuals.
Dietary counseling aimed at increasing iron intake can effectively prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. This counseling can focus solely on iron or include other nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate, and it is typically provided over several months.
Treatment options for iron deficiency anemia include supplementation with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption, though its effectiveness is uncertain. In more severe cases, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and blood transfusions may be used to increase red blood cell production and iron levels.
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by an imbalance between iron absorption and loss, and common causes include heavy menstruation, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal conditions, blood donation, and certain surgeries. Additionally, medications that reduce stomach acidity can impair iron absorption, and unexplained anemia in individuals over age 50 may indicate serious underlying conditions.
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