What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a health condition that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs for growth and development, and it is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. When iron levels are low, hemoglobin production decreases, leading to a lack of oxygen reaching tissues and organs; this condition is known as iron deficiency anemia [1].

The importance of iron to the body

In addition to its role in forming hemoglobin, iron plays other vital roles in the body. It is essential for healthy muscle function, bone marrow, and the operation of various organs. The body also needs iron to produce certain hormones [1]. Without sufficient amounts of iron, these vital functions are affected, leading to the symptoms of anemia.

Common causes of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency can occur for several reasons, including:

• Blood loss: Blood loss is the most common cause of iron deficiency. This can occur due to heavy menstrual periods, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (such as ulcers, colitis, or colon cancer), bleeding resulting from injuries and surgeries, or even the regular use of certain medications like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding [3].
• Malabsorption: Certain medical conditions or medications can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron from food. These conditions include gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or H. pylori infection, as well as stomach and intestinal surgeries, including weight-loss surgeries [3].
• Inadequate diet: Not consuming enough iron-rich foods can lead to iron deficiency, especially in strict vegetarian diets if iron is not adequately replaced [1].
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The body's need for iron increases significantly during pregnancy and breastfeeding to meet the needs of both the mother and the baby [1].
• Chronic diseases: Certain chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or congestive heart failure can affect how the body regulates and uses iron [3].

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

People with mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia may not show symptoms. As the condition worsens, common symptoms of anemia may appear, such as extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Other symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, and pale skin [3].

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, a doctor will usually order blood tests including a complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin levels, blood iron levels, and ferritin levels (a protein that stores iron in the body) [3]. If iron deficiency is diagnosed, the most common treatment is oral iron supplements (iron pills), which may take three to six months to restore iron levels in the body [3]. In some severe cases or when there is malabsorption, the doctor may opt for intravenous (IV) iron. In cases of internal bleeding, surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding [3].

It is very important to identify the cause of iron deficiency, especially if it is caused by bleeding, to determine the underlying cause and treat it effectively. You can learn more about the importance of searching for the source of bleeding in our article Iron deficiency in adults: the importance of finding the source of bleeding (Arabic).

If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as chest pain or severe shortness of breath, you should seek emergency care immediately. In general, you should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the iron deficiency and develop an appropriate treatment plan, as self-treatment may not be sufficient and could lead to worsening of the condition or mask a serious underlying health problem.

Medical references

• Iron
• Anemia Iron-Deficiency Anemia