Iron deficiency anemia is primarily caused by an insufficient amount of iron in the body. Iron is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When the body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin, resulting in a reduced capacity to transport oxygen.
There are several potential causes of iron deficiency anemia, including:
- Inadequate dietary intake: The most common cause is a lack of iron in the diet. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. A diet that lacks these iron sources may lead to iron deficiency over time.
- Poor iron absorption: Even if an individual consumes a sufficient amount of iron, certain conditions can impair its absorption in the body. Conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal surgeries may interfere with iron absorption.
- Increased iron demand: During certain life stages, the body’s iron requirements increase. For example, pregnant women require more iron to support the growing fetus, and adolescents undergoing growth spurts may also need additional iron. If the increased demand is not met through diet or supplementation, iron deficiency anemia can develop.
- Blood loss: Chronic or excessive blood loss can deplete the body’s iron stores over time. Common causes include heavy menstrual periods in women, gastrointestinal bleeding from conditions like ulcers or colon cancer, and frequent blood donation.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions or diseases can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Examples include kidney disease, chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer.
It is important to note that the exact cause of iron deficiency anemia should be determined by a healthcare professional through appropriate diagnostic tests and evaluation. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause, such as improving dietary iron intake, taking iron supplements, or treating an underlying medical condition.
See More on Video
Ironbound™ A Strategy For The Management Of Hemochromatosis By Shelly Manning provides the best solution for the problem of HCT so that you need not bear it for the rest of your life. Several methods have been explained in this eBook so that your body need not suffer from the problems caused by the health condition known as hemochromatosis.