Iron deficiency is a common condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), iron deficiency is one of the most commonly under-diagnosed and under-treated conditions.
Iron deficiency can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be nonspecific and similar to other conditions. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and anemia can be caused by various health problems, making it challenging to pinpoint iron deficiency as the cause.
Many people with an iron deficiency do not seek medical attention because they do not believe that their symptoms are severe or because they are unaware that a lack of iron causes their symptoms. Even when it is diagnosed, it is often not treated effectively.
In this article we will shed light on iron deficient anemia, what it is, Its causes, Prevention techniques and Treatment methods.
What is Iron-deficient anemia?
Iron-deficient anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have sufficient iron to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Iron-deficiency symptoms and anemia can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency.
Still, some common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Pale complexion
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Hair loss (an extremely common complaint)
- Low mood
- Dizziness and brittle nails.
Iron-deficient anemia main causes
Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by:
- Blood loss: Blood contains iron, so losing blood can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Common causes of blood loss include heavy menstrual periods, peptic ulcers, and colon cancer.
- Poor diet: Iron is found in many foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals. People who do not eat enough of these foods may be at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
- Inability to absorb iron: Iron from food is absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine. People with certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, may have difficulty absorbing iron.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women need more iron than usual to support the growth of their baby. If a pregnant woman does not get enough iron, she may develop iron deficiency anemia.
How is iron-deficiency anemia treated?
There are two main ways to treat iron-deficiency anemia:
- Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in iron-rich foods can help to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. Good sources of iron include red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and iron-fortified cereals. Vitamin C can also help your body to absorb iron, so it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
- Iron supplements: Iron supplements can be taken to increase iron levels in the body. It is best to take iron supplements on an empty stomach, but you can take them with food if they upset your stomach. Iron supplements may cause constipation or black stools.
In some cases, other treatments may also be needed, such as:
- Treating the underlying cause of bleeding: If iron deficiency anemia is caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy menstrual periods or a peptic ulcer, treating the underlying condition may help to improve iron levels.
- Blood transfusions or intravenous iron: In severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, a blood transfusion or intravenous iron may be necessary to quickly replace iron and blood loss.
Intravenous vs Oral Iron supplementation
Intravenous iron supplementation and oral iron supplementation are both used to treat iron deficiency, but there are many benefits to using IV iron over oral iron:
- IV iron is administered directly into the bloodstream, which allows for faster and more efficient absorption of iron into the body. This, coupled with the ability to give higher doses intravenously, can lead to a quicker improvement in symptoms. Typically it can replenish your iron almost immediately and normalise blood tests and symptoms within just a few weeks vs potentially months for oral iron.
- IV iron supplements do not cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, which are common with oral iron supplementations.
- It may be more effective in specific populations, such as patients with inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption disorders, or chronic kidney disease.
- IV iron may be more convenient for some people, such as those who have difficulty swallowing pills or struggle to stick with oral iron therapy.
IV iron can only be administered if the patient is severely iron deficient, and as such, blood tests are required.
Each person’s circumstances are unique, and we will gladly consult with you and review your blood tests for free. At Effect Doctors, we tailor our treatments to each client’s needs and monitor your progress.
