IRON is very important in maintaining many body functions, including the production of hemoglobin, the molecule in your blood that carries oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
How does iron deficiency anemia occur?
•Normally, your body brings in a steady flow of iron from the food you eat. Your body stores excess iron so it’s available as needed to make hemoglobin. Iron-deficiency anemia develops when your body uses the iron stores faster than they can be refilled, or when the flow of iron into your system has slowed. This occurs in three stages:
•First stage: Iron stores are depleted. In this stage, the supply of iron to make new hemoglobin and red blood cells is dwindling but hasn’t yet affected your red blood cells.
•Second stage: When iron stores are low, the normal process of making red blood cells is altered. You develop what’s called iron-deficient erythropoiesis, sometimes called latent iron deficiency. Erythropoiesis is the medical term for the process of producing new red blood cells. In this stage, your bone marrow makes red blood cells without enough hemoglobin.
•Third stage: Iron-deficiency anemia develops because there isn’t enough iron to make hemoglobin for red blood cells. In this stage, the hemoglobin concentration will drop below the normal range. This is when you may begin noticing iron-deficiency anemia symptoms.
Who is at risk?
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of iron deficiency. These include:
- Women who experience heavy periods
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as postpartum mothers
- Individuals who have undergone major surgery
- Those with GI diseases such as celiac disease and IBD (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
- Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone with a diet lacking in iron-rich foods
- Children who consume more than 16 to 24 ounces of cow's milk per day (as it can decrease iron absorption).
Symptoms
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
- Headache, dizziness, or light-headedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Inflammation or soreness of the tongue
Treatment
- One way to treat iron deficiency anemia is by taking iron tablets. Ask your doctor which iron is best for you.
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