Low iron means that there is a lack of iron in the body, which can lead to a reduction in the number of red blood cells. Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia and occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen throughout the body. Some of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia include:

• A lack of iron in the diet, which can occur if you consume too little iron over time.
• An inability to absorb iron, which can be caused by an intestinal disorder such as celiac disease or if part of the small intestine has been bypassed or removed surgically.
• Blood loss, which is generally the most common reason for low iron levels.

Low iron levels can result in your tissues and organs getting insufficient oxygen-rich blood, which can cause iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms of mild anemia are subtle and include feeling grumpy, weak, or tired more often than usual and getting headaches or perhaps having problems concentrating. However, as the anemia gets worse, symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness, especially during physical activity or exercise
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Unusual cravings, such as for ice chips
• Restless leg syndrome

To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and a full blood count is made. If you have anemia, your GP may also test for a substance called ferritin, a protein that stores iron. If your ferritin levels are low, it means there isn’t much iron stored in your body and you may have iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can be treated with iron supplements, usually as pills and sometimes with an IV. Your healthcare provider will try to identify why you have iron deficiency and treat that underlying cause.