Iron Deficiency: What It Is, Symptoms, and Treatment

Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough iron mineral in the body. This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and results in a condition known as "anemia." Iron is necessary to produce hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide.

Iron deficiency can arise either when the body's increased iron needs cannot be met or when the iron consumed is not absorbed properly. Iron is a fundamental component of hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells. The most significant consequence of iron deficiency is anemia.

Causes of Iron Deficiency

The causes are divided into three main groups:

1. Inadequate intake of iron from food (such as excessive dietary restrictions, not eating meat or green vegetables)
2. Insufficient absorption of iron from food by the digestive system (inflammatory bowel diseases, previous gastric and intestinal surgeries such as bariatric surgery, etc.)
3. Conditions involving blood loss (excessive menstrual bleeding in women, stomach bleeding, hemorrhoid-related bleeding, gastrointestinal cancers, etc.)

Additionally, during pregnancy, the body's iron requirements increase, and if iron supplementation is not provided, iron deficiency can occur.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in the Body

The severity of symptoms and signs may vary depending on the speed at which iron deficiency develops. In individuals where iron deficiency develops slowly, the symptoms may be more subtle. The most common symptoms and signs include:

• Fatigue
• Pallor
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Decreased performance in perception and learning
• Palpitations
• Dry and damaged hair and skin
• Swelling and pain in the tongue and mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Restless legs
• Brittle and spoon-shaped nails
• Feeling anxious
• Coldness in hands and feet
• Unusual cravings (such as ice, dirt, coffee grounds, glass, etc.)

Treatment of Iron Deficiency

Priority should be given to consuming foods rich in iron. For example, red meat, poultry, fish, liver, eggs, broccoli, cabbage, beans, legumes, grains, and rice are among these foods. Additionally, iron-containing medications are used to replenish the iron in the body. These medications are usually taken orally in the form of tablets, syrups, or granules. In cases where oral medication causes digestive system problems, severe iron deficiency is detected, or iron absorption from the digestive system is low, intravenous iron treatment may be administered if the doctor deems it necessary. The patient’s check-ups and tests are repeated at intervals, and the duration and dosage of treatment are determined accordingly.

What Diseases Can Iron Deficiency Lead to if Left Untreated?

Untreated iron deficiency can lead to a decrease in physical and mental performance, increased risk of heart spasms or heart attacks in cases of severe anemia, worsening shortness of breath in patients with chronic lung issues, difficulty swallowing, nail deformities (spoon-shaped nails), frequent coldness, and increased psychiatric problems.

Which Diseases Cause Iron Deficiency?

Diseases that impair iron absorption from the intestines (such as Celiac disease, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, gastric bypass surgery), diseases that cause blood loss from the body (such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, colon polyps, fibroids in the uterus), kidney failure, and heart failure conditions can lead to iron deficiency.

Can Iron Deficiency Be Prevented? Do You Recommend a Specific Diet or Lifestyle?

To prevent iron deficiency, a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamin C should be planned. In cases of recurring nosebleeds, bleeding during or after bowel movements, blood in the urine, excessive menstrual bleeding in women, pregnancy, heart failure, kidney failure, and similar conditions, seeking medical advice and starting effective treatments targeting the underlying cause will prevent the development of iron deficiency or allow the treatment of existing deficiency without causing harm.

Which Diseases Are Confused with Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly confused with Mediterranean anemia (thalassemia). Chronic kidney diseases, liver diseases, and cancers also cause anemia. In patients whose blood values do not improve despite iron deficiency treatment, thalassemia carrier status may be suspected. In such cases, doctors will perform hemoglobin electrophoresis. It is possible for patients with iron deficiency to also have Mediterranean anemia. In this case, the iron deficiency is treated first, and then hemoglobin electrophoresis is done. Hemoglobin values in carriers of Mediterranean anemia range between 9-10 mg.

What Helps Iron Deficiency?

You should include more of the following foods in your diet:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains, without overconsumption
• Low-fat dairy products, in moderation
• Red meat
• Fish
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, beans, peas, potatoes
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Dried plums
• Seedless grapes
• Molasses, honey
• Squash
• Seafood
• Foods rich in vitamin C (such as broccoli, grapefruit, kiwi, leafy greens, melon, orange, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes)