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March 21, 2010
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Iron Deficiency Anemia: Risk, Symptoms and Treatment
Elizabeth M. Ross, M.D., L.D.N.
Dr. Ross is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Scientist, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University Schools of Medicine and Nutrition.
This article is based on material first published in Nutrition in Clinical Care Vol. 5: Sept/Oct, 2002. Iron deficiency is a common problem, especially for women, so common, in fact, that 5% of women between the ages of 20 and 49 have iron deficiency with anemia and 11% have iron deficiency without anemia.(1) Anemia has a complicated technical definition, but in simple terms it means that a person's blood contains a lower than normal amount of red blood cells or other elements that help transport oxygen throughout the body. Often caused by a lack of iron, anemia gradually starves the body of the oxygen it needs, leading to symptoms such as extreme skin pallor, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and fatigue. Why We Need Iron
What many people don't know, however, is that iron plays a key role not only in the body's oxygen transport and delivery system, but also in the regulation of metabolism. Iron is needed to synthesize vital substances such as the brain chemical, dopamine, DNA and white blood cells. Thus iron deficiency can do much more harm than merely causing anemia; it can have widespread effects — from damaging a person's ability to think to weakening their resistance to infection.
It is a common misconception that the amount of iron our bodies absorb is directly related to the amount of iron we eat. While we do get most of our iron through food, getting enough iron is not quite as simple as eating well. For one thing, the ability of our digestive systems to absorb iron from the food we eat varies; for instance, those who are iron deficient do not absorb iron as well as those who are not. Because dietary iron comes in different forms, the percentage of dietary iron absorbed depends on the type of food we eat and what other foods are being eaten at the same time. For example, iron from meat is easier for the body to absorb than iron from vegetable and other sources. In addition, iron absorption can be greatly increased or decreased by various factors. Certain salts, which store iron and other minerals in plant matter, interfere with the ability of the human intestine to absorb them. Chemicals called polyphenols in tea, coffee, cocoa, spinach and oregano inhibit iron absorption as well. Eating more ascorbic acid, which is common in fruits, vegetables and fortified cereals, can improve iron absorption. Calcium inhibits the absorption of iron by an unknown mechanism. This is probably why studies show a correlation between high milk intake and iron deficiency. Who Is at Risk for Iron Deficiency?
Women in their childbearing years have greater iron needs than men as a result of menstrual blood loss, the increased iron demands of pregnancy and blood loss during childbirth. In addition, anything that causes heavier than normal menstrual periods, for example uterine fibroids, may lead to iron deficiency. Adolescent girls are at particular risk because, out of concern for their weight, many follow diets that reduce the amount of meat they eat at a time in their lives when their iron needs are increasing. Iron deficiency can also be caused by other types of chronic blood loss including internal bleeding from gastritis and ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, parasitic infections (this is more common in Third World populations than developed countries) and hemorrhoids.
The best way to prevent iron deficiency is to educate yourself about your iron needs and the best iron sources, and to use this knowledge to make sure dietary intake keeps pace with your body's demands. Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for men over the age of 19 and women over the age of 51 are 8 mg per day; for women ages 19 to 50, the RDA is 18 mg per day.(2) In the typical American diet, major sources of iron are meat, poultry, fish, nuts and seeds, legumes and bean products, green leafy vegetables, raisins, whole grains and fortified cereals. The iron content of some popular high iron foods is shown in Table 1. Table 1.
Iron Content of Selected High-iron Foods.
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Comment by: helen
Sat., Mar. 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm EST what can a person do if you have ostioporoses and need the calcium and have very low iron, that blood transfusions are recommended?
Comment by: Ashley
Fri., Mar. 12, 2010 at 1:25 am EST I took ferrous sulfate tablets ate fish...now i feels nauseous, weak, & my stomach hurts..what should I do?
Comment by: Gail
Thu., Mar. 11, 2010 at 1:15 am EST To Angela, I am a nurse & can tell you that you need to see a DR immediately. Your condition is not normal & is extreme. You should not be bleeding like this. Please consult a DR ASAP. Gail
Comment by: girl :/
Wed., Mar. 10, 2010 at 2:12 pm EST hi , I was told I had iron def anemia only yesterday - I am worried , will I have it all my life ? I'm only 13 and suddenly I have to take iron supliment medicine and have a more high iron diet such as more liver which I don't particulary enjoy , I don't want this all my life will it go ?
Comment by: Ibuprofen_Ash
Wed., Mar. 10, 2010 at 1:05 am EST The only way to get helpful, legitimate information is to go to a doctor. Please do not sit around the internet looking for answers. If you cannot see a physician immediately, call a pharmacy. They may be able to provide you with educated advice than can tide you over until you're able to make an appointment. And always, eat well. Eat a good, healthful diet with a variety of nutritious foods. Poor nutrition is the primary cause and contributor to most if not all disorders of the body.
Comment by: yas
Sun., Mar. 7, 2010 at 11:25 pm EST it is very good.
Comment by: DIANE SAMPLES
Mon., Mar. 1, 2010 at 5:12 pm EST MY DAUGHTER HAS A NORMAL HCT OF 12.9 AND HGB OR 40 BUT HER FERRATIN LEVEL IS 13. WHERE WOULD I GO TO FIND OUT WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THIS. sHE CANNOT GET INTO HER DOCTOR THIS WEEK SO I AM WORRIED
Comment by: Lisa H
Sat., Feb. 27, 2010 at 1:52 pm EST Susan B--I can relate to your problems. I have had the same thing. I was just diagnosed with a fibroid tumor in my uterus and go for surgery in 2 days. This has been the cause of so much bleeding. They are going to do what is called ablation which is supposed to either stop bleeding or eliminate it to hardly anything without having a hysterectomy. Hope this helps.
Comment by: Aysha
Thu., Feb. 25, 2010 at 10:22 am EST when do you go for blood transplanet?
Comment by: Angela
Mon., Feb. 22, 2010 at 3:49 pm EST I have hemmoriods and a fissure tear that act up three to four days before I would start my period, I think due to inflammation in my body, and I lose so much blood that it sounds like I'm urinating from my rectum. This can happen up to six times a day for about 3 to 4 days. I turn ghostly white instantly, gums and under my lower lids are white, lips, etc.. my heart beats fast, its hard to breath, cant think or talk straight, get pressure on my head and sooooo thristy. Does anyone else have it this bad?
Comment by: TERRY CEJKA
Mon., Feb. 22, 2010 at 3:18 pm EST I WAS ONCE DIAGNOSED WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA, EARLY 40'S. I AM 58 NOW. I HAVE BEEN ON LEXAPRO FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AND SO THE LEXAPRO. I DID NOT TAKE ANY IRON FOR A LONG TIME. NOW, I WANT OFF OF THE LEXAPRO. I HAVE SUCH FATIGUE, SUCH HEART PALPITATIONS AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS WHEN I DON'T TAKE THEM. I GET SO WINDED. COULD THE IRON DEFICIENCY WHICH I QUIT TREATING. I HAVE HAD THE HEART THING SINCE THE IRON DEFICIENCY WAS DIAGNOSED AND WAS ONCE TOLD I HAD A HEART MURMUR. AFTER READING YOUR ARTICLE, I TOOK AN IRON TABLET TODAY. HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE BEFORE I MIGHT SEE A DIFFERENCE?
Comment by: Rita Smith
Mon., Feb. 22, 2010 at 6:32 am EST Hi i have recently started to take ferrous sulphate tablet and my stool has become instantly black and i am concerned aboutt his pleae let me know if to stop or continue
Comment by: Ginny
Mon., Feb. 15, 2010 at 2:38 am EST I have been iron deficient for 10 years. The doctor misdiagnosed my problem, said it was my thyroid, I almost died. Had to be hospitalized and was given 3 pints of blood. The prescription iron medicine they prescribed was horrible. I found out from a nurse working in a pharmacy that an over the counter iron pill works best - it's called "Slow Fe," and no side affects. Hope this helps anyone with anemia - your doctor won't tell you about an over the counter remedy.
Comment by: Sue B
Sun., Feb. 14, 2010 at 10:42 am EST Hello, Im quite concern because I have heavy menstrual cycle, with lots of membrane! It is out of control! Definitely, this was some of the cause for iron deficiency, but Im worried! How can I suppress this night-mare? Hellllllllllp!
Comment by: alien
Mon., Feb. 8, 2010 at 4:32 am EST wtf? BOROCCOLI!!! :o
Comment by: DIANE
Sun., Jan. 31, 2010 at 12:01 am EST IM DEALING WITH IRON DEF. ANEMIA. MY DR CALLED ME FRIDAY WITH LAB RESULTS OF FERRITIN OF 5. WHAT'S A NORMAL LEVEL. MY HEMOGLOBIN IS 7. I WAS GIVEN AN IRON INFUSION. MY QUESTION IS I SUFFER FROM PICA? I CRAVE PREIUM CRACKERS AND THEY HAVE TO BE DARK LIKE REALLY BROWN. SOMETIOMES I'LL BY 6-10 BOXES AT ONE TIME. AND I HAVE CRAVINGS FOR GRAPE TOMATOES.. IS THER ANY NUTRITIONAL VALUE TO THESE FOODS AND HOW CAN I GET IT UNDER CONTROL.
Comment by: Earthangel
Sat., Jan. 23, 2010 at 9:57 am EST Hi Dee, my condition is similar to yours, ie. levels close to needing a blood transfusion. I understand it takes around 1 month for the haemoglobin level to increase by 1.
Comment by: Priscilla
Fri., Jan. 22, 2010 at 3:51 pm EST Hi, I recently did alot of research on hairloss and thyroid disease and possible thyroid cancer. I have severe hairloss problems, fatigueness, stress, headaches, stiff neck 24/7, blurry vision and a very irrtated itchy skin with a permenant rash. Could a regular intake of iron supplements lower the risk of cancer or thyroid disease and will this help with all my symptoms? I also have an abnormal menstrual cycle and heavy stomache pain in the morning. Lately I've been experiencing sharp pains through my breasts aswell and it feels like its heavy and dragging on the floor in the morning when i get up. Please help me!
Comment by: patrica
Sat., Jan. 9, 2010 at 2:19 am EST i would like to know i am anemic and i was perscribe with the black color iron pills can i find them in a walgreems or any drug store and whats the name of the pills
Comment by: E G ROBERT
Thu., Jan. 7, 2010 at 10:39 pm EST Due to 15 years of nutritional supplement (small bowel partial obstruction) developed low iron stores. What replacement recommended.
Comment by: Dee
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 at 11:09 pm EST I went to the ER last week due to heart palpitations and shortness of breath, after taking a blood test they said I was severely anemic that by levels were close to needing a blood transfusion, since I have been taking my prescribed iron pills, but the palpitations are not completely gone, when can I expect some relief?
Comment by: elaine andreson
Mon., Jan. 4, 2010 at 3:01 pm EST what about an iv infusion of iron? |
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