Iron Deficiency Anemia

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 acting as the vehicle for 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 matter, 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. In Canada, approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient. Overall, it occurs in two out of 1,000 people.

Some infants may need extra iron, especially if they are breast-fed. 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 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.

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 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 or 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)
• 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 deficits. 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 the first sign of a 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.