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What is Iron Deficiency?

Athena Hessong
Athena Hessong

Iron deficiency is a lack of sufficient iron in the blood. People require iron to help transport oxygen throughout the body. When there is a lack of iron in the blood, resulting either from nutritional deficiencies or a loss of blood, symptoms can appear, caused by a reduced amount of oxygen reaching the tissues and organs of the body. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as heart and growth problems.

In the human body, iron is used by the red blood cells to help the cells create hemoglobin. The word hemoglobin literally means iron protein from the prefix hemo- meaning iron and -globin, a protein. This protein is what makes red blood cells red, and insufficient amounts of hemoglobin are likely due to iron deficiency anemia.

Lack of iron in the blood is known as iron deficiency.
Lack of iron in the blood is known as iron deficiency.

Those deficient in iron typically display mild symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, brittle nails, and loss of appetite. In these mild cases, iron deficiency is easily treated with a supplement. A consultation is always best to determine if the true cause of these symptoms is iron deficiency, since there are many other ailments and vitamin and mineral deficiencies which can produce similar symptoms. The only real way to determine if the anemia is from a lack of iron is through a blood test. After examining the results of that blood test, a doctor can prescribe the proper type of iron supplement to be taken. Women are more likely to be deficient in iron since they lose blood on a monthly basis through menstruation. Iron is stored in the body, and one who is not deficient in it should not take supplements. An excess of iron can cause symptoms similar to anemia. This is why only a physician should prescribe iron supplements.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, or Crohn's disease may not be able to absorb iron through the digestive tract.
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, or Crohn's disease may not be able to absorb iron through the digestive tract.

There are many causes of iron deficiency anemia, some resulting from lifestyle, and others as side effects of medications or illnesses. A common cause of anemia is an insufficient intake of iron in the diet or a reduced efficiency in the body absorbing and using that iron. A well rounded, nutritionally sound diet is critical to preventing iron deficiency anemia. If there is not enough iron in the body, the bone marrow will not have the materials it needs to manufacture hemoglobin.

Individuals with a lack of iron may experience fatigue and dizziness.
Individuals with a lack of iron may experience fatigue and dizziness.

Iron supplements are most effective if the anemia is only due to a lack of iron in the diet. Treatment is different if there is an inability of the body to absorb and use the iron, as can be the case with some forms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac or Crohn's disease, or those taking stomach acid reducers. Using iron supplements, which are absorbed in the small intestine, or treating intestinal diseases can allow the body to more effectively use the iron from the diet.

Should the anemia be severe, a blood transfusion might be ordered to provide immediate relief.
Should the anemia be severe, a blood transfusion might be ordered to provide immediate relief.

A loss of blood can lead to anemia, and if there no visible external bleeding and the patient is not a menstruating woman, then a physician would look to see if there is evidence of internal bleeding. This will be determined only after ensuring that the patient has proper nutrition to support the manufacture of hemoglobin. Treating the underlying cause will be the ultimate cure to the iron deficiency but in the interim, supplements might be given, however these will take at least two weeks before relief from the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are relieved. Should the anemia be severe, a blood transfusion might be ordered to provide immediate relief.

Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

The net result of an iron deficiency in an individual is less oxygen going to muscles and organs. The circulatory system of the body uses the power of the heart to pump blood through the lungs in order to allow the hemoglobin in the red blood cells to pick up oxygen molecules in the lungs. Arteries in the body take the oxygenated blood to the tissues while the veins deliver oxygen poor blood back to the lungs. Hemoglobin is made in the bone marrow from old red blood cells and iron from the diet. A lack of iron can lead to a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin made. This sets off a chain reaction. A reduced amount of hemoglobin means that the blood cannot pick up as much oxygen from the lungs. The tissues then cannot get as much oxygen as they had before, and their functions are reduced in efficiency. Relieving this cycle takes time, and anyone beginning a course of iron supplements should allow for at least two weeks to rebuild the iron stores in the body.

Anyone who suspects iron deficiency anemia should discuss the matter with a physician who can make the right diagnosis and prescribe the proper treatment.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@heavanet- Once your sister has discussed her iron deficiency with her doctor to make sure that she doesn't have any other underlying health issues, she should try to eat a variety of foods other than meat that contain iron.

Your sister has probably heard that eating spinach will help her get iron in her diet. However, eating other types of collard green will also provide iron as well as variety to her diet.

Dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, and apricots are also good sources of iron. She can eat these foods right out of the package as a snack, or put them on a spinach salad for an iron-rich meal.

If your sister does not stick to a strictly vegan diet, she may also want to considering eating more eggs because they are also rich in iron. Regardless of the foods she chooses to eat in place of red meat, your sister should keep in mind that she will not get the same amount of iron from other types of food as she would from eating meat. Seeing her doctor on a regular basis to check her iron levels will help guide her with her diet and prevent her from becoming anemic.

Heavanet

Does anyone have some advice for a vegetarian with an iron deficiency? I have a sister who has this problem, but she has a hard time taking iron supplements because they upset her stomach. What foods other than meat are good to eat to keep good levels of iron in the body?

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    • Lack of iron in the blood is known as iron deficiency.
      By: Andrei
      Lack of iron in the blood is known as iron deficiency.
    • Patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, or Crohn's disease may not be able to absorb iron through the digestive tract.
      By: JackF
      Patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, or Crohn's disease may not be able to absorb iron through the digestive tract.
    • Individuals with a lack of iron may experience fatigue and dizziness.
      By: dundanim
      Individuals with a lack of iron may experience fatigue and dizziness.
    • Should the anemia be severe, a blood transfusion might be ordered to provide immediate relief.
      By: Max Tactic
      Should the anemia be severe, a blood transfusion might be ordered to provide immediate relief.
    • Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      Prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
    • A severe iron deficiency may cause muscle spasms.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A severe iron deficiency may cause muscle spasms.
    • People who are iron deficient may experience shortness of breath.
      By: nuiiko
      People who are iron deficient may experience shortness of breath.
    • In the human body, iron is used by the red blood cells to help the cells create hemoglobin.
      By: Dmitry Sunagatov
      In the human body, iron is used by the red blood cells to help the cells create hemoglobin.
    • Meeting with a doctor is the best way to determine if symptoms are being caused by iron deficiency.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Meeting with a doctor is the best way to determine if symptoms are being caused by iron deficiency.