Iron deficiency progresses through several stages, from depletion of iron stores to iron deficiency anemia, which is the most severe form. Catching and treating iron deficiency early on can help prevent development of iron deficiency anemia.
What happens in iron deficiency?
Iron is an essential mineral that is needed for many functions in the body, including forming hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and carries oxygen, while myoglobin is found in muscles and helps them store oxygen.
When iron levels start to become depleted, the body goes through several stages:
- Stage 1: Iron depletion. The body’s stored iron levels start to decline, but hemoglobin and other proteins are still normal.
- Stage 2: Iron deficient erythropoiesis. The body cannot make enough hemoglobin and red blood cells due to insufficient iron.
- Stage 3: Iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin and red blood cell production is impaired, leading to anemia.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most advanced form of iron deficiency. It occurs when iron levels are so low that the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.
Some key points about iron deficiency anemia:
- It is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.
- It can happen when iron intake or absorption is inadequate over a long period of time.
- Women, infants, children, and pregnant women have the highest risk.
- Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, and more.
- It is diagnosed with blood tests showing low hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels.
- Treatment involves iron supplements and addressing the underlying cause of iron loss.
- Left untreated, it can impair growth, immune function, pregnancy, and more.
What causes iron deficiency anemia?
There are many potential causes of iron deficiency anemia, including:
- Inadequate dietary iron intake – This especially affects infants, children, vegetarians, and those on restricted diets.
- Problems absorbing iron – Diseases like celiac disease and stomach/intestinal issues can impair absorption.
- Pregnancy – Demands from fetal growth and blood loss during delivery increase iron requirements.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding – Is a common cause in women of childbearing age.
- Internal bleeding – Such as from ulcers, hemorrhoids, cancer.
- Frequent blood donations.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Headaches and dizziness
- Swollen tongue
- Cracks in the sides of the mouth
- Restless legs syndrome
- Brittle nails
- Poor appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
Some people may have no symptoms in mild iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms tend to worsen as the condition progresses.
How is iron deficiency anemia diagnosed?
Iron deficiency anemia is typically diagnosed with blood tests. These may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) – Checks levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
- Iron level tests – Measures serum iron and ferritin levels.
- TIBC (total iron binding capacity) – Evaluates body’s ability to transport iron.
- Transferrin and transferrin saturation.
In iron deficiency anemia, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels will be low. The CBC may show small, pale red blood cells.
Treatment for iron deficiency anemia
Treatment for iron deficiency anemia aims to replenish iron stores and regulate ongoing losses. This involves:
- Oral iron supplements – Taken daily, usually for 3-6 months. Tablets, capsules, or liquid iron.
- Iron infusions – For those who can’t tolerate or absorb oral iron well.
- Dietary changes – Eating more iron-rich foods.
- Treating underlying causes – Such as stopping bleeding or improving absorption.
Most people begin feeling better within a few weeks as iron stores are replenished. A follow-up CBC is recommended after treatment to confirm iron levels have normalized.
Preventing iron deficiency anemia
You can help prevent iron deficiency anemia by:
- Eating iron-rich foods like meat, eggs, leafy greens, iron-fortified cereals.
- Taking iron supplements if at higher risk.
- Treating any sources of bleeding or gastrointestinal issues.
- Getting screened through regular blood work.
Those at higher risk, such as pregnant women, should take care to meet increased iron needs.
Conclusion
Iron deficiency anemia is the most severe form of iron deficiency where low iron levels cannot support normal hemoglobin and red blood cell production. It causes symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Treatment involves iron supplementation and managing any causes of bleeding or malabsorption. Preventing iron deficiency anemia relies on adequate iron intake, screening those at risk, and promptly treating any emerging iron deficiencies before they progress to anemia.