Joseph R. Anticaglia MD
Medical Advisory Board
Iron deficiency anemia is due to a low level of iron in the blood. There is a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body which appear under the microscope to be smaller in size and paler in color.
Source Graham Beards Human blood I.D.A.
The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest the body. With less circulating RBCs, there is less hemoglobin and less oxygen delivered to the tissues. This causes a person to feel fatigued, run down with no energy — the most common symptoms of this anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia (I.D.A.) is the most common anemia in the U.S. Poor iron-diet is more likely to be found in people over the age of 65, pregnant women and young children who have a greater need for iron in their diet. The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in adults is blood loss.
What follows are some other causes of I.D.A.
People with significant I.D.A. look, feel and act tired. They lack energy and stamina. Physical exertion quickly tires them. People have used the mnemonic, low iron to help remember the sign and symptoms of I.D.A.
The diagnosis is made utilizing the above signs and symptoms and an abnormal ferritin value, which is a very reliable I.D.A. indicator.
Treatment depends on the cause, but most often diet and/or iron supplementation will suffice.
Tips: It’s advisable to take supplemental iron with Vitamin C (orange juice) on an empty stomach since they both promote the absorption of iron. Drink lots of fluids since iron can cause constipation. Because iron can stain teeth, people find it useful to drink liquid iron through a straw and to brush their teeth afterwards. It’s not unusual that iron turns stools black. Look for foods that are rich in iron.
Iron deficiency anemia as noted is the most common anemia in the United States It affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide and with the correct diagnosis and proper infrastructure, it is readily treatable.
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.