Paleness
Brittle nails
Cracks & ulcers in mouth
Hair loss
Signs and symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia15 16 17
SIGNS YOU CAN SEE:
SYMPTOMS YOU CAN FEEL:
Tiredness / Fatigue
Weakness
Difficulty to concentrate
Shortness of breath
Susceptibility to infections
Dizziness
Coldness in hands & feet
Insomnia
Headaches
REFERENCES:
15 Mayo Clinic - Iron Deficiency Anemia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034?p=1
16 Alton, Irene. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Guidelines for Adolescent Nutrition Services (2005) 101. http://www.epi.umn.edu/let/pubs/adol_book.shtm
17 Iron deficiency - investigation and management. British Columbia Medical Association & Ministry of Health Services. Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee June 2010.
Causes & Risk Factors
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can occur at all stages of life, being most prevalent among at-risk groups due to physiological, nutritional or social factors.
CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY18
Increased demand for iron
Rapid growth in infancy or adolescence
Pregnancy
Erythropoietin therapy
Increased iron loss
Chronic blood loss
Menses
Acute blood loss
Frequent blood donation
Decreased Iron intake or absorption
Inadequate diet
Malabsorption from disease e.g., sprue, Crohn's disease etc.
Malabsorption from surgery e.g., post-gastrectomy etc.
Acute or chronic inflammation
REFERENCES:
18 James S. ed. Iron Deficiency and Other Hypoproliferative Anemias. New York. McGraw-Hill; 2012: 1953-1970
RISK FACTOR FOR DEVELOPING ANEMIA3
Women of Reproductive age (WRA)
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially Iron)
- Menstrual losses
- Malaria
- Multiple pregnancies/short birth spacing
- Helminthiasis
Children
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Rapid growth
- Maternal anemia
- Malaria
- Helminthiasis
- Hemoglobin disorders
Adolescents
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially Iron)
- Menstrual losses (in girls)
- Overweight & obesity
- Malaria
- Helminthiasis
- Chronic Diseases
Others
Intestinal disorders affect absorption of nutrients
Long term or serious illness such as AIDS, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and liver disease
Blood loss from surgery or injury
Nutritional deficiencies (especially Iron)
Excessive tea or caffeine drinking
Frequent blood donation
REFERENCES:
3 National Heart, Lungs and Blood Institute, Iron-deficiency Anemia. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia