Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that occurs when your body does not have enough iron. Our body depends on iron chiefly for producing haemoglobin, which enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Hence, deficiency of iron can leave you tired and short of breath.
Iron is important in maintaining several body functions; it is required for maintaining healthy cells, skin, hair and nails.
Iron Deficiency Anemia - Infographic
Iron deficiency is very common, especially among women and in people whose diet lacks adequate iron. People at increased risk of iron deficiency include:
Other common causes include:
Mild iron deficiency anemia often goes unnoticed because of lack of evident symptoms. With further iron depletion and worsening anemia, signs and symptoms intensify.
Common symptoms include:
When to Visit a Doctor? Can I take Oral Iron Supplements on my own?
Always visit a doctor, a specialist in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics (in the case of children) preferably. Every case of anemia needs thorough work up. Iron deficiency shouldn’t be self-diagnosed or self-treated. There is every risk of acquiring an iron overload if you take unnecessary supplements. This damages your liver and can lead to many complications.
Untreated sever iron deficiency can lead to heart problems such as enlarged heart or heart failure. Iron deficiency can also complicate pregnancy leading to premature births and low birth weight babies.
Delayed growth and development of children is linked to iron deficiency. It also increases susceptibility to infections.
Iron deficiency is often evident from blood work up. Components of the work up usually involve hemoglobin, ferritin, haematocrit and parameters indicating morphology of red blood cells. Imaging modalities such as endoscopy, colonoscopy and ultrasound may also be required for further investigating the cause of iron deficiency.
Oral iron supplements are commonly prescribed by doctors to replenish iron stores. Iron tablets are to be taken on an empty stomach for best results, however if gastric upset ensues (a common side effect of iron tablets), it is okay to take them with meals. These supplements (tonic, pills etc.) may be needed for long periods, since the deficiency cannot be corrected with one or two doses.
Iron tablets are better taken with a glass of orange juice or with a vitamin C supplement, since vitamin C improves iron absorption.
One frequent complaint from patients on iron supplements is darkening of stools, but this is not harmful. Constipation that arises due to iron supplements is usually combated with stool softeners.
Severe case of iron deficiency and absolute intolerance to oral supplements (metallic taste, gastric upset, nausea etc. that may prevent patients from taking pills) may be tackled by switching over to intravenous infusions of iron. Blood transfusions may be required in certain cases.
It is always important to treat the underlying cause that leaded to iron deficiency. Unless the basic cause is corrected, iron deficiency may not completely respond to supplements.
Include iron-rich foods in your diet:
Iron in meat is better absorbed than the iron in vegetables, this is why pure vegetarians are at increased risk of iron deficiency.
Infants should be adequately breast fed. Iron-fortified formulas are used when applicable. Iron in breast milk is readily absorbed unlike the iron found in formula. Cow’s milk is not a rich source of iron for babies.