Iron Deficiency Anemia Caused By WHAT ? Uncover the Truth !
Updated: Jan 12
By Foodogma
Content
Overview | Anemia | Anemia Symptoms | Anemia Versus Iron Deficiency | Cause Of Iron Deficiency | Hair Loss | Restless Legs | Treatments For Iron Deficiency | Foods That Provide Iron | Iron Required Per Day | Benefits of An Iron Supplement
What Is The Cause Of Iron Deficiency
Iron is an essential mineral.It's main job is to carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body. It is also part of the enzymes that are essential for optimal digestion and overall body health. Without enough iron, red blood cells are fewer and smaller, which means they’re not transporting sufficient oxygen where it needs to go, which is one kind of anemia. When this happens, your organs and tissues can’t work as well as they should.
Anemia: A Greek word meaning “without blood” – occurs when the body has a low number of red blood cells (RBCs).
Iron deficiency stems from insufficient dietary intake, impaired absorption, and heightened demands during pregnancy. Chronic blood loss from menstruation or gastrointestinal disorders is common. Additional causes may include inadequate iron absorption due to certain medications, gastrointestinal surgeries, or conditions like celiac disease, impacting overall iron levels.
Iron Deficiency Anemia And Treatment
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Treatment involves iron supplementation through oral tablets or intravenous injections, coupled with dietary changes to include iron-rich foods like red meat and leafy greens. Regular monitoring ensures effective management.
Anemia Symptoms
Fatigue and Unusual Tiredness
When your body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin, less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy. In addition, your heart has to work harder to move more oxygen-rich blood around your body, which can make you tired.
Increased heart rate
In cases of iron deficiency, the heart has to work extra hard to transport oxygen around the body which can lead to irregular or fast heartbeats and even heart murmurs, an enlarged heart or heart failure.
Shortness of Breath
When going up inclines,If you find yourself out of breath doing regular, daily tasks that you used to find easy, such as walking, climbing stairs or working out, iron deficiency could be the reason.
Pale Skin
Paleness in general or in specific areas such as the face, lips, lower inner eyelid or nails may be a sign of moderate or severe iron deficiency. This is caused by lower levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color.
Frequent Headaches
This symptom seems to be less common than others and often goes hand in hand with lightheadedness or dizziness. Low levels of hemoglobin in red blood cells mean that not enough oxygen can reach the brain. As a result, blood vessels in the brain can swell, causing pressure and headaches.
Brittle or Spoon-Shaped Fingernails
This is a rare side effect and usually only seen in severe cases of iron-deficiency anemia.
OTHER POTENTIAL SIGNS
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Poor Memory
• Hypersensitivity to Cold Temperatures
• Loss Of Appetite
• Swelling and Soreness of the Tongue and Mouth
• Low endurance (you run out of “gas” fast)
• Hair loss
• Reduced Work Productivity
• Impaired Memory
• Impaired Concentration
• Apathy and Depression
• Reduced Resistance To Infections (e.g. more frequent colds during winter/change of seasons)
Anemia Versus Iron Deficiency
Anemia encompasses various conditions marked by a reduced quantity of red blood cells, affecting oxygen transport. Iron deficiency anemia is a specific subtype, resulting from insufficient iron levels crucial for red blood cell production. Other anemia types may arise from vitamin deficiencies, chronic diseases, or genetic factors. Accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the underlying cause and tailor treatments, which may include iron supplementation, dietary adjustments, or addressing the root condition for comprehensive health management.
Cause Of Iron Deficiency
• Low iron diet
• Blood loss
• Ulcers
• Woman -Heavy Menstruation,Pregnancy
• Low vitamin D levels
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Athletes – High Impact Sports + Excessive Sweating
Would Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss
Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss as iron plays a crucial role in hair growth. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it prioritizes the distribution of iron to essential functions over non-essential ones, affecting the hair follicles. This disruption can result in increased hair shedding or even more severe conditions like telogen effluvium. Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation or dietary changes can often help restore normal hair growth and prevent further loss. Regular monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals are advisable for effective management.
The more active the person, the more dietary iron she/he needs. Constant impact activity, such as running, reduces iron levels more dramatically than other types of exercise because of the more strenuous hemolysis. With each foot strike, a small amount of blood is released from the damaged capillaries. In time, this will lead to anemia if the runner doesn’t pay close attention to her diet. Iron is also lost through sweat.
Iron Deficiency And Restless Legs
Iron deficiency is associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition causing an urge to move the legs. In RLS, insufficient iron disrupts dopamine function, affecting neural signals. Treating iron deficiency, through supplements or dietary adjustments, can alleviate RLS symptoms, promoting better sleep and overall well-being. Regular monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential for effective management, ensuring relief from the discomfort and sleep disturbances associated with restless legs.
Treatments For Iron Deficiency
• Increase iron consumptions
• Get Outside – Sunlight
• Eat a whole food plant-based diet
• Avoid highly processed foods
• Natural supplements
• Use high quality cast iron cookware
Foods That Provide Iron
Iron has a low bioavailability, meaning that the small intestine does not readily absorb large amounts. This decreases its availability for use and increases the likelihood of deficiency.One is generally confused about what to eat,what to avoid,which food contain iron and so on. Iron from food comes in two forms: heme and non-heme. Our bodies absorb heme iron better than non-heme iron.
Iron Deficiency Diet Vegetarian
Food Sources Of Non-Heme Iron (plant-based protein)
Fortified breakfast cereals
Potato with skin
Tofu
Spinach (cooked)
Lentils (cooked)
Soybeans(cooked)
Black eyed peas (Lobia)
Seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
Prune Juice
Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, etc.)
Nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachio, etc.)
Food Have Iron List
Food Sources Of Heme Iron (animal-based protein)
Canned light tuna
Organ meats
Chicken Liver
Fish (Halibut, Haddock, Salmon, Tuna)
Ham
Organ meats
Oysters,clams
Veal
Turkey
Chicken
Mussels
Consuming vitamin-C-rich foods alongside food rich in Iron (non-heme) can dramatically increase iron absorption.
Iron Required Per Day
Iron–either too much or too little–linked with increased tuberculosis-related sickness or death
Life Stage | Recommended Amount (per day) |
Adult men 19–50 years | 8 mg |
Adult women 19–50 years | 18 mg |
Adults 51 years and older | 8 mg |
Pregnant Teens | 27 mg |
Brest-feeding | 10 mg |
Benefits of An Iron Supplement
Iron supplements offer crucial benefits, particularly for individuals with iron deficiency anemia or those at risk, like women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Supplemental iron aids in red blood cell production, alleviating fatigue and weakness. It facilitates oxygen transport throughout the body, enhancing overall energy levels. While dietary sources are preferable, supplements become vital in cases of insufficient iron intake or absorption issues, playing a vital role in maintaining optimal health and preventing complications associated with iron deficiency. Regular monitoring ensures the effectiveness and safety of supplementation.
Symptoms of Too Much Iron Supplement
Discuss taking an iron supplement with a physician as excess iron can be dangerous, and iron supplements are not recommended except in cases of diagnosed deficiency, or where a person is at high risk of developing iron deficiency.Side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include:
Constipation
Feeling sick
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of Taking Iron Supplement
Iron supplements may cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort. In some cases, they can lead to more serious issues such as iron toxicity. It's crucial to follow recommended dosages, and individuals should consult healthcare professionals to address any concerns or potential complications associated with iron supplementation.
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