Iron Deficiency

Iron Deficiency

Whenever the quantity of iron absorbed becomes less than the iron requirements or the loss of iron in the body, the individual experiences a state of negative iron balance, i.e. iron deficiency.

This means iron deficiency takes place whenever,
iron absorbed < (iron requirements or loss of iron).

Whenever iron deficiency occurs, storage iron becomes absent. In the case of iron deficiency anemia, the deficit in iron is so severe that along with the absence of storage iron, hemoglobin is also reduced below the normal range.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency may have many adverse effects. Symptoms include:

Anemia - condition caused by a lack of red blood cells and characterized by weakness and breathlessness.
Children with prolonged iron deficiency in the second year of life were later found to have impaired mental growth at five years of age.
Reduced capacity for strenuous work and exercise.
Growth retardation.
Symptoms of weakness, dizziness, fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath), irritability, headaches.
Koilonychia - abnormal condition in which the outer edges of the nails are concave.
Papillary atrophy of the tongue.
Aangular stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth).
Causes of Iron Deficiency
1. Blood Loss

People with hookworm (blood-sucking worms which inhabit the intestines) infestation have an increased tendency of iron deficiency due to constant intestinal blood loss.
Individuals with gastrointestinal bleeding due to ulceration, tumors, diverticulas, polyps and vascular malformations are prone to develop iron deficiency.
Many of the patients involving dialysis of the blood develop iron deficiency due to blood lost during the procedure.
Note: When iron deficiency occurs in men or non-menstruating women, the patient may be considered to have a gastrointestinal cancer (esophageal, gastric or colorectal are the most common), and the required medical care must be sought.

2. Inadequate dietary iron

Infants and adolescents have increased iron requirements due to the requirement of rapid growth.
Women need more iron because of the loss of hemoglobin with menstruation. Also, pregnancy requires hight iron intake as well.
3. Poor Absorption of Iron

Malabsorption of iron may develop in the cases of hemoglobinuria (presence of hemoglobin in the urine)
Pulmonary hemosiderosis - condition characterized by the buildup of iron stores in the liver of the body.
When the iron cannot be utilized for hemoglobin synthesis, the process can lead to iron deficiency.
Iron Deficiency Treatment
1. Identify the cause

Before treatment, identifying the cause of iron deficiency is important which may be deduced from history and physical examination of the patient. Take preventive measures against the cause.
Check for the presence of any malignancy giving rise to blood loss, or if you have anemia.
2. Iron Supplements (the most popular way to treat iron deficiency)

The typical adult dose is 200 mg of elemental iron per day, for instance, an iron supplement containing 200mg of ferrous sulfate provides 40 mg of elemental iron.
Side effects of iron supplements include constipation, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. To minimize side effects, start with half the recommended dose, gradually increasing to the full dose.
Iron is best absorbed if given without food. (Fruit-juices rich in Vitamin C may be given.)
3. Blood transfusion

May be necessary for patients with severe anemia.
Should be avoided if possible.
Should be given as packed red cells with a potent diuretic administered attendantly.
Prevention of Iron Deficiency
Increase heme protein (substance present in hemoglobin) in the diet.
Iron supplementation for a relatively short period of time is beneficial in pregnant women and may be considered for infants, children, and groups of workers.
Include iron rich food sources in your diet.