Causes of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Causes of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia¹

Insufficient iron – or iron deficiency (ID) – can make it difficult for the body to produce enough haemoglobin in the red blood cells which is required to carry oxygen. When decreased iron in the body leads to a lack of healthy red blood cells being produced, this results in iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). ID and IDA have numerous causes, including:

Blood loss:
Due to the iron contained in red blood cells, blood loss causes loss of iron. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding are at an increased risk of IDA due to blood loss during menstruation. Conditions like peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, colon polyps, or colorectal cancer can cause slow and chronic blood loss, which can lead to IDA.
Inability to absorb iron:
Iron is absorbed from food in the small intestine when ingested. Gastrointestinal conditions, like celiac disease, can impede your body’s ability to absorb iron. Bariatric or intestinal surgery can also impact iron absorption.
Low-iron diet:
The body’s main source of iron is through food consumption. Low-iron diets can eventually lead to ID and IDA.
Pregnancy:
In pregnant women, iron stores need to serve the woman’s own increased blood volume as well as be a source of haemoglobin for the growing foetus. As a result, IDA is common in pregnant women.

Next: WHO IS AT RISK OF ID? →

References:

Mayo Clinic. Iron deficiency anemia. 2016. [cited 2022 June 2]. Available from: URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034.

Causes of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia1

Blood loss:

Inability to absorb iron:

Low-iron diet:

Pregnancy:

Causes of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia¹