Anemia due to lack or deficiency of iron (iron-deficiency anemia): causes and symptoms

What is iron deficiency and why is it produced?

The iron It is one of the fundamental mineral salts for all good functioning of the organism. Iron plays a fundamental role in the formation of hemoglobin contained in red blood cells; in the formation of muscle myoglobin; and in numerous enzymes essential for the proper functioning of the organism.

Iron occurs in small amounts, inside our body. A part of this iron is eliminated every day. To maintain a sufficient amount of iron, it must be replaced at a loss with other food inputs. If the contributions are insufficient, in relation to the losses, there is an imbalance of lack of iron that can have serious consequences for health.

Iron deficiency translates into anemia, accompanied by a reduction in physical and intellectual capacity; of a decrease in resistance to infections; and, during pregnancy, a real risk that the baby will be born with a lack of weight, with the consequences that this can have on their survival. And precisely when there is iron deficiency anemia it is medically known by the name of iron deficiency anemia.

What is iron deficiency or deficiency anemia? Iron-deficiency anemia

While anemia is a disorder or condition that occurs when our body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, Iron-deficiency anemia is one that occurs when our body does not have enough iron.

We must bear in mind that, while red blood cells provide oxygen to the different and different tissues of our body, iron is essential to help the body in the production of these red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia thus becomes the most common or common form of anemia.

There are different degrees of iron deficiency. The most visible is anemia, which can appear in symptoms as well known as paleness, or fatigue. However, the diagnosis of iron deficiency is made after a blood test. In addition to measuring hemoglobin, you can control iron reserves in the organism through other indicators that can detect this moderate iron deficiency.

The good balance of iron levels depends on the level of iron need that our body requires at each different stage of life:

  • Children and adolescents, due to their rapid growth;
  • Women, from puberty to menopause, due to the fact that iron is lost during menstruation;
  • The pregnant women, because of the needs of the fetus and of the transformations of the organism during the gestation.

It is convenient to review, frequently, and depending on the stage of life in which we find ourselves, how our iron levels are in the organism, with a view to preventing other types of more serious complications.

  • Tips to assimilate iron well

What are the causes of this deficit or lack of iron?

There are several causes that can influence iron deficiency and the actual appearance of iron deficiency anemia. When this condition appears, it means that either we are losing more red blood cells and iron than our body is able to replenish, the body is not able to absorb iron well, or is not following a proper diet.

Bleeding as a cause of iron-deficiency anemia:

  • Menstrual periods, especially when they are abundant, frequent or last a long time.
  • Peptic ulcer.
  • Cirrhosis. It is a common cause of esophageal varices.
  • Cancer of the digestive or intestinal system: cancer of the stomach, esophagus, colon or small intestine.
  • Continued and prolonged use of ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (traditional aspirin), or medications for arthritis.

When the body is not able to absorb enough iron:

  • Crohn's disease.
  • Celiac Disease.
  • Consumption of antacid medications with calcium.

When we follow a certain diet:

  • Vegetarian or strict vegan.
  • Follow up of an unbalanced diet.

What symptoms does anemia cause due to lack of iron?

It is usual that, at the beginning, the symptoms are actually mild, and appear very slowly. For example, it is common to feel more tired or weak, have many headaches, and suffer problems to think or concentrate normally.

However, when at the beginning the anemia goes almost unnoticed and increases, its symptoms get worse, with the appearance of other related symptoms such as weak and brittle nails, dizziness (especially when we stand up), difficulty in breathing, pain in the tongue, rather pale skin color and pica disorder (desire to consume things that are not food).

This article continues in Iron: tips to assimilate iron well. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia? (March 2024)