Iron Deficiency

Dr. Anurag Shahi (AIIMS)MBBS,MD

December 06, 2018

March 06, 2020

Iron Deficiency
Iron Deficiency

What is iron deficiency?

The iron levels in the body are usually within the normal range of 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL of blood for men and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for women. Below these levels, a person is said to have iron deficiency. Apart from its other functions, iron forms a major component of haemoglobin in the blood.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

Iron deficiency often presents as:

  • Anaemia due to low haemoglobin and as the blood cells can be malformed due to iron deficiency
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Lowered immunity, making the person susceptible to infections
  • Pale skin
  • Hair loss
  • Red, inflamed tongue

What are its main causes?

One of the major causes of iron deficiency is malabsorption of iron. Iron is usually lacking in the diet of vegans and vegetarians. Calcium can interfere with iron absorption as well; therefore, iron-rich food must not be taken with milk or milk products. Certain conditions require a greater amount of iron intake, for example, pregnancy. Any trauma or surgery that results in blood loss in large amounts may leave a person iron deficient. Thus iron deficiency can also be observed in women after childbirth. Menstrual blood loss is another factor that contributes to the high prevalence of iron deficiency in women.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis of iron deficiency begins with a clinical examination. A blood examination and haemoglobin and haematocrit testing are usually enough for diagnosing iron deficiency. Treatment includes iron supplementation and intake of iron-rich foods. Iron tablets are available as over-the-counter drugs; however, a person should be careful while taking them as they may lead to constipation. Avoid taking iron supplements with milk as it can hamper the absorption of iron. If iron deficiency is caused due to severe blood loss, a blood transfusion may be required.



References

  1. American Society of Hematology. [Internet]. Washington DC, United States. Iron-Deficiency Anemia.
  2. National Health Service [Internet] NHS inform; Scottish Government; Iron deficiency anaemia.
  3. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Iron-Deficiency Anemia.
  4. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Iron deficiency anemia.
  5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Anemia caused by low iron - infants and toddlers.

Doctors for Iron Deficiency

Dr. Narayanan N K Dr. Narayanan N K Endocrinology
16 Years of Experience
Dr. Tanmay Bharani Dr. Tanmay Bharani Endocrinology
15 Years of Experience
Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra Endocrinology
23 Years of Experience
Dr. Parjeet Kaur Dr. Parjeet Kaur Endocrinology
19 Years of Experience
Consult a Doctor

Medicines for Iron Deficiency

Medicines listed below are available for Iron Deficiency. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.