Overview of Iron and Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Without iron, your body cannot make hemoglobin. The main causes of iron deficiency anemia are: iron-poor diet, blood loss, inability to absorb iron, and increased requirements for iron during certain stages of life (infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy).

Who is at risk for iron deficiency anemia?

Those with poor diets - At risk are low-income families and vegetarians (iron in vegetables is not as easily absorbed as iron in meat).

Infants - After age 6 months, infants need a good dietary supply of iron since the stores that they were born with are mainly depleted. Unfortunately, neither breast milk or cow's milk are good sources of iron.

Adolescents - Teens undergoing a growth spurt and teen girls who have started to menstruate are at risk for iron deficiency.

Women - Iron is lost with blood each month. Pregnant women require additional hemoglobin to support the developing fetus.

Those with internal blood loss - Bleeding may occur as a result of hemorrhoids, (benign) polyps, ulcers, or cancer.

Inflammatory or allergic bowel diseases - Celiac is an allergic reaction to gluten that can reduce the ability of the intestines to absorb iron and other nutrients. Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease may also result in poor iron absorption.

What is anemia due to vitamin deficiencies?

If the body lacks vitamin B12 or folic acid, the red blood cells become abnormally large and have a shortened life span. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption due to disease, bacterial overgrowth of the bowel, autoimmune diseases, or stomach surgery.

How do you know if you have nutritional anemia?

The only real way to know if you have anemia is to have a blood test to check your red blood cells and, specifically, your hemoglobin. Your doctor may do additional blood tests on the appearance of red blood cells, stored iron levels, and vitamin levels. Finally, tests to determine the underlying cause of blood loss or poor absorption may be necessary.
The presentation of anemia varies depending on the individual. In the beginning, you may not notice any changes. As anemia progresses, people often report feeling fatigued and weak. You may look pale and if the anemia is more severe you may experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, or loss of concentration.

If you have symptoms that suggest you have anemia, tell your doctor or nurse. The only real way to know if you have anemia is to have a blood test to check your red blood cells and, specifically, your hemoglobin. Depending on your hemoglobin level, your doctor will determine if you have anemia. Normal hemoglobin levels are between 120 and 160 g/L for women and between 140 and 180 g/L for men.
Your doctor may do additional blood tests on the appearance of red blood cells, stored iron levels, and vitamin levels. Finally, tests to determine the underlying cause of blood loss or poor absorption may be necessary.