What is iron deficiency, and what causes it?

Iron deficiency is a condition that occurs when there is an insufficient amount of iron in the body. An insufficient amount of iron in the body means that there are not enough red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to the body’s tissues. However, iron deficiency is not always caused by insufficient intake of iron. For example, excessive blood loss during menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding, or conditions where iron absorption is inadequate, can also cause iron deficiency. Additionally, increased iron requirements during pregnancy or growth periods, as well as digestive issues such as celiac disease or chronic inflammation, can contribute to iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide and, if left untreated, can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can have a negative impact on overall health as it weakens the immune system. Considering that iron deficiency can stem from a variety of causes, it is important to identify the exact cause of the deficiency in order to address the issue effectively. Let us now examine the symptoms of iron deficiency.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency usually develops gradually. At first, the symptoms may not be very noticeable, but as the deficiency progresses, they can turn into symptoms that affect your daily life.

Common symptoms of iron deficiency include:

Fatigue and weakness due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues
Difficulty concentrating
Anemia and chills
Headaches and dizziness due to insufficient oxygen flow to the brain
Pale skin and gums due to reduced red blood cell production
Shortness of breath during physical activity
Cold hands and feet
Brittle nails or hair loss
Restless legs syndrome, especially at night

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause.

How is iron deficiency diagnosed?

To diagnose iron deficiency, healthcare professionals typically first assess whether the individual exhibits any of the symptoms listed above. The individual’s medical history is reviewed, and information about any ongoing health conditions is gathered. Following this, clinical evaluation is conducted, and certain laboratory tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis. These tests, which may include a complete blood count (CBC), can reveal low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, key anemia indicators.

Additional tests may also include:

Serum ferritin: This test measures the amount of iron stored in the body and is generally the most specific test used to diagnose iron deficiency.
Serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): This test measures the amount of iron in the blood and also helps assess how well iron is being transported.
Transferrin saturation: This test indicates how much iron is bound to the transport protein transferrin.

These tests help healthcare professionals determine the presence and severity of iron deficiency, as well as whether it is caused by inadequate intake, poor absorption, or blood loss.

How is iron deficiency treated?

The treatment for iron deficiency should be planned based on the cause of the deficiency and its severity. For most people, the first step is usually to increase iron intake. This can be achieved through dietary changes or iron supplements.

Oral iron supplements are often prescribed. To replenish iron stores, these supplements may need to be taken for several months.
The diet may need to be updated to include iron-rich foods and reduce foods or medications that interfere with iron absorption.
In more severe cases or when oral supplements are not tolerated, intravenous (IV) iron therapy may be necessary.
Treating the underlying causes, such as chronic blood loss or gastrointestinal issues, is crucial to preventing recurrence.

Iron supplements are readily available over the counter. However, consuming excessive amounts of iron can be harmful. Therefore, it is not advisable to self-diagnose iron deficiency based on hearsay and start taking iron supplements on your own.

If you are experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency, you should visit a healthcare provider to confirm that the issue is indeed caused by iron deficiency. Once you are certain that the issue is caused by iron deficiency, you should begin taking iron supplements as directed by your doctor.

What foods are rich in iron?

In cases of mild to moderate iron deficiency, following a diet rich in iron can help correct the deficiency. This method is natural and effective in cases where iron deficiency is not very severe. Foods containing iron can be divided into two categories based on their iron absorption rate: animal products and plant products. The iron found in animal products is heme iron, a type of iron that is absorbed by the human body at a much higher rate and more easily. Plant-based products contain non-heme iron. The absorption rate of this type of iron is slightly lower.

Some iron-rich foods include:

Additionally, foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes, help enhance iron absorption in the body.

Red meat, poultry, and liver
Seafood (especially oysters, mussels, and salmon)
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans
Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, and kale
Iron-fortified grains and cereals
Tofu and soy products
Dried fruits
Eggs

Consuming these foods in variety can help maintain adequate iron levels and improve overall nutritional status. Additionally, consuming these foods with foods rich in vitamin C can enhance iron absorption in the body. Foods such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, kiwis, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C.

How can iron absorption be increased?

Adequate iron intake does not always guarantee sufficient iron levels in the body. In some cases, the iron a person consumes may not be absorbed adequately by the body for various reasons. Therefore, increasing iron absorption can make a significant difference in preventing or correcting deficiencies.

Some ways to increase iron absorption include:
Since vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, consume iron-rich foods alongside foods containing vitamin C.
Cook meals in cast iron pots and pans, which can increase iron content.
Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as they contain polyphenols and tannins that can inhibit iron absorption.
Limit calcium intake when consuming iron-rich foods, as calcium can make iron absorption more difficult.
Avoid fiber-rich foods when taking iron supplements, as fiber can bind to iron and reduce its bioavailability.

Following these tips can significantly improve iron absorption, especially for those who rely on dietary sources of iron.