Iron deficiency anemia: symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia that occurs when the body has low levels of iron.

Since your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, its deficiency prevents the required amount of oxygen from reaching the rest of your body.

Although the condition is quite common, people do not recognize it easily.

So here is an overview of iron deficiency anemia.

Symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, pallor

Since this deficiency leads to a drop in oxygen levels in the body, the three main symptoms of this disease are shortness of breath, fatigue and dizziness.

You might also notice some paleness in areas like the face, lower inner eyelids, or fingernails.

Other symptoms may include strange cravings, swelling or pain in the tongue, headache, cold hands and feet, fast or irregular heartbeat, and brittle fingernails.

What are the possible causes of this anemia?

The number one reason for this disease is the lack of iron in the diet.

Losing a large amount of blood quickly or losing small amounts of blood over a long period of time can also cause this anemia, as the body loses more iron with blood loss.

This condition becomes quite common during pregnancy due to the increased need for iron.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia differs from case to case

If you notice the symptoms mentioned above, have a complete blood test.

If the results show iron deficiency, you will need to take iron tablets for several months, depending on your levels.

A diet rich in iron and vitamin C is also helpful.

If the cause is some kind of bleeding, it is necessary to treat the underlying cause (heavy periods, serious injuries, etc.).

Prevent this condition by consuming foods rich in iron

Eating foods rich in iron is the best way to prevent this disease.

Meat is considered the best source of iron. But if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, increase your intake of plant-based foods like beans, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, peas, and iron-fortified products.

Since vitamin C improves iron absorption, consume citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, and other foods that contain this vitamin.