Iron deficiency anemia

Overview

Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red cells in the blood caused by too little iron. It is the most common form of anemia affecting 20 per cent of women and about 3 per cent of men. It is easily treatable.

Symptoms

In mild cases there may be no noticeable symptoms. In many cases however iron deficiency anemia results in:

  • Pale skin
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore tongue
  • Brittle nails
  • Unusual food cravings
  • Decreased appetite
  • Headache
  • Discolouration (blue tinge) to the whites of the eyes

Causes

Iron is an essential mineral that helps the hemoglobin in your blood stream to deliver oxygen to your body's organs and muscles. Iron also works with your body's myoglobin. Myoglobin helps muscle cells store oxygen. It's important to have sufficient iron because when your iron levels are low so is your hemoglobin. When you don't produce enough hemoglobin your body runs out of steam very easily and decreases your physical performance. Iron deficiency anemia may be caused by:

  • Loss of iron in the blood during menstruation (especially when it is heavy)
  • Poor dietary intake
  • Poor absorption of dietary iron into the body
  • Increased loss of iron in sweat or bleeding from a wound

Treatment

If you've been feeling a little run down lately consult your doctor and get your hemoglobin level checked. The normal hemoglobin range is 115-155 g/L but varies for men and women.

Depending on your hemoglobin level your doctor can determine if you have iron deficiency anemia. If you do your doctor may recommend iron supplements. You need to be careful not to use antacids or drink milk within a couple of hours of taking a supplement as this may interfere with absorption of iron. Iron supplements are especially important for pregnant women as only half of them get enough in their diet. You can get more by eating foods such as raisins meats (liver is the highest source) fish poultry eggs (yolk) legumes (peas and beans) and whole grain bread.