Iron-Deficiency Anemia
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The most common type of anemia, occurring when the body lacks enough iron to produce adequate hemoglobin for red blood cells. It's especially common among women of childbearing age and can cause fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Treatment usually involves iron supplementation and addressing the underlying cause.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Iron-deficiency anaemia happens when the body lacks enough iron to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is the most common type of anaemia.
Typical symptoms are tiredness, weakness, pale skin, breathlessness, headaches and a fast heartbeat. Some people crave ice or have brittle nails and hair loss.
It is diagnosed with blood tests, and treatment usually means iron supplements plus finding and treating the cause — such as heavy periods, low dietary iron or blood loss from the digestive tract. Don't self-treat without a diagnosis, because the cause matters.
Symptoms
Tiredness and weakness
Pale skin
Sometimes visible inside the lower eyelids.
Shortness of breath on exertion
Headaches and dizziness
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Cold hands and feet
Brittle nails and hair loss
Sore tongue or mouth ulcers
Craving non-food items such as ice
Known as pica.
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Blood loss — Heavy periods and bleeding from the digestive tract (for example ulcers or piles) are leading causes.
- Low iron in the diet — Especially in strict vegetarian or vegan diets without careful planning, and in infants and young children.
- Poor iron absorption — For example in coeliac disease or after some stomach or bowel surgery.
- Increased needs — Pregnancy and rapid growth in childhood.
Risk factors
- Women of reproductive age with heavy periods
- Pregnancy
- Infants, toddlers and adolescents
- Diets low in iron
- Digestive conditions and regular blood loss
- Frequent blood donation
- Long-term use of certain medicines
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis confirms both the anaemia and the iron deficiency, then looks for the cause.
Full blood count
Shows low haemoglobin and small red blood cells.
Iron studies including ferritin
Ferritin reflects the body's iron stores.
Looking for the cause
History of periods, diet, medicines and digestive symptoms; tests for coeliac disease; and sometimes endoscopy or colonoscopy, especially in men and postmenopausal women.
Related tests
Treatment
Treatment replaces iron and treats the cause. The type, dose and duration of iron treatment are chosen by your doctor.
Iron supplements
Usually tablets or liquid taken for several months, sometimes longer, until stores are replenished.
Iron by injection or infusion
Used when tablets are not tolerated, not absorbed, or iron is needed quickly.
Treating the underlying cause
For example controlling heavy periods or treating a bleeding source.
Iron-rich foods
Red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and iron-fortified foods; vitamin C helps absorption.
Follow-up blood tests
To check that levels have recovered.
Iron tablets can cause constipation or dark stools, and too much iron is harmful. Take only as advised — particularly for children, who are at risk from accidental overdose.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Unexplained tiredness, paleness or breathlessness
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Blood in stools, black stools, or blood in vomit
- You are pregnant, or a child appears pale and unusually tired
- Symptoms that persist despite iron treatment
Seek urgent care if
- Chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry or bloody stools with dizziness
- Very heavy bleeding soaking through pads within an hour or two
Prevention
Eat iron-rich foods
Lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, dark leafy greens, fortified cereals.
Combine iron with vitamin C
Fruit or vegetables rich in vitamin C help absorption.
Limit tea and coffee around meals
They can reduce iron absorption.
Get advice about heavy periods
Iron in pregnancy and infancy as advised
Follow the supplements and screening recommended by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is iron-deficiency anaemia?
It is a shortage of red blood cells' oxygen-carrying capacity caused by too little iron in the body.
What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia?
Tiredness, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches and a fast heartbeat are common.
What causes iron deficiency?
Blood loss (such as heavy periods or digestive bleeding), too little iron in the diet, poor absorption, and increased needs in pregnancy and growth.
How is it diagnosed?
With a full blood count and iron tests such as ferritin, followed by a search for the cause.
How long does it take to treat?
Haemoglobin often improves within weeks, but iron stores usually take several months to replenish, so treatment continues after you feel better.
Can I treat anaemia with diet alone?
Diet helps prevent it, but established deficiency usually needs iron supplements and treatment of the cause, as advised by a doctor.
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Medical sources
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