What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common blood disorder caused when there isn’t enough iron in the body. When there isn’t enough iron which is required to create haemoglobin, the rest of the body can’t get the oxygen it needs. While the condition is vastly prevalent, many people aren’t unaware they have iron deficiency anaemia. Even though they continue to experience symptoms, their condition can go ignored for years.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia In India

In India, the prevalence of anaemia in men aged 15 to 49 years is 25%, while in women of the same age group, it is 57%. As per the review conducted by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), it was found that iron deficiency anaemia was the main reason behind the health burden for the past decade in India. In women of reproductive age, the reason for iron deficiency anaemia was a loss of blood during menstruation, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and certain diseases like those pertaining to the intestine.

Here, we look deeper at the symptoms, causes and treatment options for iron deficiency anaemia.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Initially, the symptom of iron deficiency anaemia can be very mild and might even go unnoticed. The best way to conclude this is to run a blood test. The moderate to severe symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can range from fatigue to irregular heartbeat

• Weakness
• Paleness of skin
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Cravings to consume items with zero nutritional value, such as ice, clay or carbs
• Soreness or swelling of the tongue
• Cold hands and feet
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Crawling or tingling feeling in the legs

Causes for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron is a vital component of red blood cells. Without it, blood cannot efficiently transport oxygen to other parts of the body. The body typically repurposes iron from old red blood cells or obtains it freshly from one’s diet.

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when the iron stored in the body runs low. This occurs due to:

• The rate of blood cells and iron lost from the body is greater than what can be replaced.
• Enough iron-rich foods are not consumed, although the body is capable of absorbing iron.
• The body is incapable of absorbing iron.
• The body needs more iron, especially if the individual is breastfeeding or is pregnant.

Bleeding causes loss of iron. The main reasons for bleeding are:

• Long, heavy or frequent menstrual periods every month
• Esophageal varices arising from cirrhosis
• Presence of cancerous cells in the stomach, oesophagus, colon or small bowel
• Peptic ulcer disease, haemorrhoids etc.
• Prolonged consumption of certain medications that cause gastrointestinal bleeding

The body can be incapable of absorbing iron which can have an underlying condition:

• Crohn disease
• Celiac disease
• Gastric bypass surgery

Risk Groups for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Everyone is highly susceptible to developing iron-deficiency anaemia. Below are some risk groups for this condition:

• Infants aged 6 to 12 months

Babies inherit their iron stores from their mothers, who carried them in their wombs for nine months, nurturing them with low nutrition. If the mother is iron deficient, the child is likely to become one, too, unless they are made to drink iron-fortified formula along with breastmilk.

• Children aged 1 to 2 years

Young children who only drink cow’s milk may not get sufficient quantities of iron. The child’s diet should be supplemented with fortified cow milk formula.

• Teenagers

Growth spurts are often the reason why iron reserves end up getting exhausted quickly.

• Adults aged 65 and above

Older people do not get as much iron as needed because their meal portions tend to reduce with age.

• Those who are suffering from chronic medical conditions, autoimmune or bone marrow disorders are also at risk.
• Those who are vegans or vegetarians and do not consume sufficient quantities of iron-rich foods.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

According to healthcare providers and experts, the most effective way to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia is through blood tests and bone marrow biopsy (in some cases). The standard blood test for screening is a complete blood count (CBC). Additional tests to find out the underlying causes as prescribed by your doctor may be:

• Examining red blood cells under the microscope. If the cells appear pale and smaller than normal, then it is because you have iron deficiency anaemia.
• An iron profile test will be done in order to evaluate the levels in the blood.
• Next, they will measure the amount of transferrin in the blood, a type of protein in charge of carrying iron.
• The doctor can also ask for a ferritin test. Ferritin is also a protein that stores iron.
• If the doctor cannot arrive at a conclusive diagnosis even after conducting the above tests, they recommend a bone marrow biopsy.
• Other tests may be recommended based on the clinical correlation.

Intravenous (IV iron) and blood transfusion are some of the other treatment options if severe iron deficiency anaemia is identified in a patient. 

Foods for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

One of the easiest ways to correct iron deficiency anaemia on a personal level is to change your diet plan. You should chart out a meal plan that focuses more on iron-rich foods. These include but are not limited to the following:

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anaemia can become serious if it is left unaddressed for a long time. It can end up increasing your risk of developing complications that affect the lungs or heart. Further, it can cause headaches, fatigue, restless leg syndrome, pregnancy complications and developmental delays in children. The ideal way of managing iron deficiency anaemia is to follow the treatment prescribed while also consuming iron micro supplements and a diet rich in iron along with vitamin C-enriched foods that help in proper iron absorption in the body.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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Sources:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia

https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1795421

https://www.nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Control-of-Iron-Deficiency-Anaemia.pdf

https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency