Iron-Deficiency Anemia
What is iron-deficiency anemia?
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to
form hemoglobin. Iron is mostly stored in the body in the hemoglobin.
About 30 percent of iron is also stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in
the bone marrow, spleen, and liver.
What causes iron-deficiency anemia?
Iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by the following:
- diets low in iron
Iron is obtained from foods in our diet, however, only 1 mg of iron
is absorbed for every 10 to 20 mg of iron ingested. A person unable
to have a balanced iron-rich diet may suffer from some degree of iron-deficiency
anemia.
- body changes
An increased iron requirement and increased red blood cell production
is required when the body is going through changes such as growth spurts
in children and adolescents, or during pregnancy and lactation.
- gastrointestinal tract abnormalities
Malabsorption of iron is common after some forms of gastrointestinal
surgeries. Most of the iron taken in by foods is absorbed in the upper
small intestine. Any abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
could alter iron absorption and result in iron-deficiency anemia.
- blood loss
Loss of blood can cause a decrease of iron and result in iron-deficiency
anemia. Sources of blood loss may include GI bleeding, menstrual bleeding,
or injury.
What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?
The following are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia. However,
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
- irritability
- lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
- increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- sore or swollen tongue
- enlarged spleen
- a desire to eat peculiar substances such as dirt or ice (a condition
called pica)
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood conditions
or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is iron-deficiency anemia diagnosed?
Iron-deficiency anemia may be suspected from general findings on a complete
medical history and physical examination, such as complaints of tiring easily,
abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin, or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia).
Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination
through a blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin (number of red
blood cells) present, and the amount of iron in the blood. In addition to
a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures
for iron-deficiency anemia may include the following:
- additional blood tests
- bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - marrow may be removed by
aspiration or a needle biopsy under local anesthesia. In aspiration
biopsy, a fluid specimen is removed from the bone marrow. In a needle
biopsy, marrow cells (not fluid) are removed. These methods are often
used together.
Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia:
Specific treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will be determined by your
physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the anemia
- cause of the anemia
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the anemia
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- iron-rich diet
Eating a diet with iron-rich foods can help treat iron-deficiency
anemia. Good sources of iron include the following:
- meats - beef, pork, lamb, liver, and other organ meats
- poultry - chicken, duck, turkey, liver (especially dark meat)
- fish - shellfish, including clams, mussels, and oysters, sardines,
anchovies
- leafy greens of the cabbage family, such as broccoli, kale, turnip
greens, and collards
- legumes, such as lima beans and green peas; dry beans and peas,
such as pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and canned baked beans
- yeast-leavened whole-wheat bread and rolls
- iron-enriched white bread, pasta, rice, and cereals
- iron supplements
Iron supplements can be taken over several months to increase iron levels
in the blood. Iron supplements can cause irritation of the stomach and
discoloration of bowel movements. They should be taken on an empty stomach,
or with orange juice, to increase absorption.
How does the body process iron?
Iron is present in many foods and absorbed into the body through the
stomach. During this process of absorption, oxygen combines with iron
and is transported into the plasma portion of blood by binding to transferrin.
From there, iron and transferrin are used in the production of hemoglobin
(the molecule that transports oxygen in the blood), stored in the liver,
spleen, and bone marrow, and utilized as needed by all body cells.
The following is a list of foods that are good sources of iron. Always
consult your physician regarding the recommended daily iron requirements
for your particular situation.
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