Low iron or iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the bodys iron stores are too low. Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen throughout the body. The most common causes of low iron include:
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Blood loss: Blood contains iron within red blood cells. So if you lose blood, you lose some iron. Women with heavy periods are at risk of iron deficiency anemia because they lose blood during menstruation. Slow, chronic blood loss within the body — such as from a peptic ulcer, a hiatal hernia, a colon polyp or colorectal cancer — can cause iron deficiency anemia. Gastrointestinal bleeding can result from regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin.
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A lack of iron in your diet: Your body regularly gets iron from the foods you eat. If you consume too little iron, over time your body can become iron deficient. Examples of iron-rich foods include meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified foods. For proper growth and development, infants and children need iron from their diets, too.
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An inability to absorb iron: Iron from food is absorbed into your bloodstream in your small intestine. An intestinal disorder, such as celiac disease, which affects your intestines ability to absorb nutrients from digested food, can lead to iron deficiency anemia. If part of your small intestine has been bypassed or removed surgically, that may affect your ability to absorb iron and other nutrients.
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Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant need extra iron to nourish their growing baby. If they dont get enough iron from their diet, they may become iron deficient.
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Body changes: An increased iron requirement and increased red blood cell production is required when the body is going through changes, such as growth spurts in children and adolescents, or during pregnancy and lactation.
If you suspect you have low iron, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by adding iron-rich foods to your diet or taking iron supplements.
