Iron Deficiency Anemia
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Iron Deficiency Anemia
The blood that circulates throughout the body performs a number of critical functions. It delivers oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and carries life-sustaining nutrients. By transporting long-distance messengers such as hormones, blood helps the various parts of the body communicate with each other. This is carried out by blood cells, working in partnership with the liquid part of the blood (plasma). Most of the cells that make up your blood are red blood cells (erythrocytes). White blood cells (leukocytes) are also present, defending the body against foreign material, including infections, viruses, and fungi.
Anemia occurs when there isn't enough hemoglobin (an iron-protein compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen) in the blood and there are too few red blood cells.
Anemias are the most common blood disorder; there are several types of anemia. They are usually caused by an iron deficiency. Approximately 3% of Canadians have anemia (including all forms of anemia). However, 9% of women aged 20 to 49, and 13% of women aged 12 to 19 have iron-deficiency.
Some infants may need extra iron, especially if they are bottle-fed with cow's milk. This is why doctors often prescribe iron supplements during infancy and why infant diets are iron-fortified and only iron-fortified formulas should be used.
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency occurs when the body needs more iron than it's getting. The body needs the iron to make hemoglobin. Except in cases of malnourished infants, iron deficiency is almost always caused by long-term blood loss due to factors such as heavy menstrual periods, peptic ulcer disease, long-term aspirin use, colon cancer, uterine cancer, and malignancies (cancerous tumors). It may also occur if there's not enough iron-containing food in the person's diet or if there's poor absorption of iron (such as in the case of people who have celiac disease or have had gastric bypass surgery). Iron in the diet is absorbed more easily if it's heme iron, which is the form found in meat.
This form of anemia occurs quite often in pre-menopausal women because women lose blood during menstruation. Pregnant women who don't take iron supplements may develop iron deficiency anemia because their iron stores are used as a source of hemoglobin for the baby.
If infants, children, or adolescents have rapid growth spurts, they may get iron deficiency anemia. Lead poisoning can also lead to this condition in children. In persons over 50, lesions or injuries to the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon, may result in chronic blood loss leading to anemia.
Symptoms and Complications of Iron Deficiency Anemia
The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia appear gradually and may not be noticed.
The major symptom is fatigue. Many people, however, are unaware of just how tired they were until after they've been treated
In addition to feeling tired and having less energy, the person may have pale skin, gums, nail beds, and eyelid linings. Eventually, if anemia becomes severe enough, the heartbeat may become more rapid and noticeable.
Other symptoms of iron deficiency anemias may include:
- irritability
- weakness
- shortness of breath
- low blood pressure (especially when going from lying or sitting to standing)
- sore tongue
- brittle nails
- unusual food cravings (called pica) such as for ice or dirt
- decreased appetite (especially in children)
- headache
If it isn't treated, iron deficiency anemia may become severe enough to interfere with daily life. Infants with anemia who are not treated can develop growth and learning difficulties.
The good news is that its effects can be dealt with quickly by iron therapy. However, it's still important to find out the cause, because it may be a signal for a more serious disorder.
There are usually no complications from this anemia, but it may come back, so regular follow-ups with a doctor are needed. Children with this disorder may be more likely to get infections.
