Iron-deficiency anemia is a common blood disorder, which occurs when there is not enough iron to meet the body's needs.

Iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by:

• A lack of iron in the diet or the body cannot absorb iron as well
• Loss of blood as with peptic ulcers or colon cancer
• Frequent blood donations
• Gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which may be caused by ulcers, hemorrhoids, large hiatus hernias, polyps, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (inflammation of the digestive tract)
• Aspirin, if frequent use has caused stomach bleeding (a side effect in some)

Pregnancy can also increase the body's need for iron in that the fetus increases the demand for blood.

If you are a woman who no longer has menstrual periods and are diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, you will need a thorough evaluation by your doctor to rule out possible gastrointestinal disorders that might be causing blood loss. This may include a colonoscopy (examination of the large bowel) and/or endoscopy (a look inside the body).

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Feeling out of breath
• Craving for substances such as dirt, pure starch or ice
• Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
• Feeling tired
• Sensitivity to cold
• Dizziness

Diagnosis

Lab tests help tell how severe the anemia is. This may include a complete blood count evaluation including hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count and platelet count. Your doctor may also test your ferritin level or look for iron stores.

Treatment

In order to treat you, the doctor will need to know the cause of your anemia. If your condition is related to your diet, you will need to eat more iron-rich foods such as lean cuts of red meat. However, this alone will not solve the problem. You will also be advised to regularly take multivitamins with iron. Your doctor will probably have you take a prescription medication containing ferrous sulfate or an over-the-counter iron supplement. Be sure to safely store your iron! Most likely, you will need to take your supplements with orange juice or vitamin C tablets so that iron will be better absorbed.

Other dietary sources of iron include:

• Fish
• Chicken and turkey
• Eggs
• Legumes
• Green leafy vegetables, like spinach
• Raisins and dried fruits such as apricots

It will take several months for your iron reserves to be brought back to normal. Pregnant women usually take iron throughout their pregnancy to either treat or prevent anemia. Be aware that certain foods, like tea, interfere with iron absorption.

Related Articles Prenatal Anemia Screening Anemia Accidental Poisoning in Children

External Sources Iron Disorders Institute Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Institute of Medicine

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.