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| Iron deficiency causes fatigue |
Iron deficiency occurs when there is low iron in the blood. Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness among others can arise as a result of this deficiency.
Iron is a vital mineral that is important for many bodily functions. It aids the the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It is also essential for the correct development and functioning of cells, and the production of some hormones and tissues.
Symptoms
Depending on the overall health of an individual and the severity of the deficiency, the symptoms vary. For a mild or moderate iron deficiency, a person may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Sometimes, a lack of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This is when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause symptoms that include:
Sometimes, a lack of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This is when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause symptoms that include:
- fatigue
- weakness
- dizziness
- sensitivity to temperature
- cold hands and feet
- shortness of breath
- chest pain among others
Causes
Iron deficiencies occur when an insufficient amount of iron is present in the blood. There are several potential causes for a lack of iron, including the following:
Diet
Iron is in many different types of foods, including fish, fortified cereals, beans, meat, and leafy green vegetables. The National Institutes of Health recommend that male adults get 8 milligrams (mg) of iron per day and that female adults get 18 mg per day before 50 years of age and 8 mg after that age.
Iron is in many different types of foods, including fish, fortified cereals, beans, meat, and leafy green vegetables. The National Institutes of Health recommend that male adults get 8 milligrams (mg) of iron per day and that female adults get 18 mg per day before 50 years of age and 8 mg after that age.
Iron malabsorption
Some medical conditions and medications may prevent the body from absorbing iron properly, even when a person is eating plenty of iron-rich foods.Conditions that can cause problems with iron absorption include:
Some medical conditions and medications may prevent the body from absorbing iron properly, even when a person is eating plenty of iron-rich foods.Conditions that can cause problems with iron absorption include:
- intestinal and digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
- gastrointestinal surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery
- rare genetic mutations
Blood loss
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to iron. It contains most of the body's iron. For this reason, blood loss can result in iron deficiencies and anemia. Blood loss can be a result of injury, or too frequent blood tests or donations. But it can also occur with certain conditions or medications, including:
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to iron. It contains most of the body's iron. For this reason, blood loss can result in iron deficiencies and anemia. Blood loss can be a result of injury, or too frequent blood tests or donations. But it can also occur with certain conditions or medications, including:
- Internal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancer
- regular use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- heavy menstrual periods
- urinary tract bleeding
- rare genetic conditions
- surgery
Other conditions
Other conditions that may cause iron deficiency include:
Other conditions that may cause iron deficiency include:
- kidney failure
- congestive heart failure
- obesity
Iron is particularly important during periods of growth. For this reason, children and pregnant women have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia than others.
To prevent iron deficiency, it is advisable to eat foods rich in iron such as:
- green vegetables,
- liver,
- lentils and beans,
- nuts and seeds,
- grains, and
- dried fruit.
Sources:
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