You may think that eating leafy vegetables rich in iron is enough to avoid this mineral deficiency, but have you ever thought about other causes of iron deficiency that cannot be treated with food?
Iron deficiency is a common condition that many people face, as iron plays an essential role in many vital functions of the body, such as the production of hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen, so today we learn together about the most prominent causes and symptoms associated with this health condition, and the ways to treat it.
The importance of iron in the body
Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs.
Iron is also necessary for the production of myoglobin, an important protein stored in muscles, and for various enzymatic reactions involved in energy production, so understanding the causes of iron deficiency is indispensable, in order to follow optimal prevention and treatment methods.
Learn about: The best ways to treat iron deficiency are with medication and food
What are the causes of iron deficiency?
The body obtains its need for iron through the diet, as it is absorbed from food through the cells lining the digestive system, and a deficiency is expected to occur at any age if the dietary intake of iron decreases.
1- Malnutrition
One of the main causes of iron deficiency is not eating enough iron-rich food and poor nutrition.
Some foods contain particularly large amounts of this important mineral, however, individuals who follow incorrect diets and eating habits may not consume sufficient amounts of iron. Vegetarians, in particular, are at risk of iron deficiency because they do not eat important sources of iron, such as meat.
In addition, individuals who eat a diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, and other iron-rich foods may also be at risk for a deficiency of this vital mineral.
2-Blood loss
This means losing amounts of blood for long periods of time or in a heavy and sudden manner. The most common causes of blood loss include the following:
- menstruation, The possibility of iron deficiency increases in women who suffer from severe or prolonged periods of menstruation.
- Gastrointestinal bleedingThis is caused by a variety of conditions, including peptic ulcers, digestive disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, and colorectal tumors. Chronic or recurrent bleeding in the digestive tract can cause iron deficiency if the iron lost is not replaced properly and promptly.
- Accidents or surgeries Emergency injuries or surgery that involve significant blood loss can deplete the body's iron stores.
3- Iron malabsorption
Even if a person consumes an adequate amount of iron, some factors can hinder the body's ability to absorb this essential mineral.
What are the reasons for the body not absorbing iron?
Conditions that affect iron absorption typically include:
- Digestive system disorders, such as: Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastric bypass surgery.
In these cases, the intestine may not absorb iron effectively from food, resulting in low iron levels in the body.
- Medications and some substances. Some medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids, hinder iron absorption.
In addition, certain substances, such as high tea or coffee consumption, and high levels of phytic acid found in whole grains and legumes may affect iron absorption when consumed in large quantities.
4- Increase the body’s need for iron
Certain stages in life, or diseases, may increase the body's needs for iron, making individuals more susceptible to deficiency of this mineral.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the body’s need for iron, as iron plays an important role in developing the fetus and increasing blood volume in the pregnant mother.
- Rapid periods of growth: Children and adolescents experience periods of rapid growth and physical development, which can increase their needs for many elements, most notably iron.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, cancers and autoimmune disorders, can increase the body's need for iron or hinder its absorption and utilization.
You can read the article if you want to know Symptoms of iron deficiency in detail
Causes of iron deficiency in women and its treatment
Iron deficiency anemia occurs in women in particular as a result of their bodies being exposed to several of the reasons we mentioned, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Most women also try to follow special diets or diets that may limit the dietary intake of iron in one way or another, especially if they are unhealthy or harsh, with the aim of losing weight or the like.
As for treatment methods, they include paying attention to correct body nutrition and compensating for the deficiency through nutritional supplements in cases of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Symptoms of iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can appear with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the severity and duration of the deficiency.
The most common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pale skin
It is worth noting that these symptoms can vary in severity from one person to another. Some individuals may experience only part of these symptoms.
In conclusion, after learning about the various causes of iron deficiency, we emphasize that compliance with treatment and periodic monitoring of iron levels through blood tests are crucial to ensuring a successful recovery and restoring normal iron levels.
Identifying possible medical causes is very important, but it does not replace consulting a doctor. Contact us, we are here to care for you.
Frequently asked questions
What causes iron to decrease in the body?
Iron deficiency occurs in the body for many reasons, including not eating enough iron-rich foods, or as a result of blood loss due to heavy menstruation or internal bleeding, or because the body is unable to absorb iron properly. Also, iron decreases as a result of some health conditions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding that increase the body’s need for iron.
What is the thing that breaks down iron in the body?
There is no single thing that breaks down or destroys iron in the body, but there are a number of factors that reduce iron levels or prevent its absorption. The most prominent of these factors are blood loss, malnutrition, problems with absorption in some health conditions such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, and taking some medications such as antacids that work to reduce the stomach acidity necessary for iron absorption, as well as an increased need for iron, such as in cases of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What disease causes iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is a disease associated with a lack of iron in the body. This disease occurs when the body does not contain the sufficient amount of iron needed to produce hemoglobin. There are some diseases that cause iron deficiency, such as gastrointestinal diseases, chronic kidney diseases, tumors, and malabsorption diseases such as celiac disease, which causes damage to the small intestine and affects the absorption of iron.
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Medical sources
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