Iron from food is absorbed into your bloodstream in your small intestine. For proper growth and development, infants and children need iron from their diets, too. Examples of iron-rich foods include meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified foods.
If you consume too little iron, over time your body can become iron deficient. Your body regularly gets iron from the foods you eat. Gastrointestinal bleeding can result from regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin. Slow, chronic blood loss within the body - such as from a peptic ulcer, a hiatal hernia, a colon polyp or colorectal cancer - can cause iron deficiency anemia. Women with heavy periods are at risk of iron deficiency anemia because they lose blood during menstruation. So if you lose blood, you lose some iron. Blood contains iron within red blood cells. If you aren't consuming enough iron, or if you're losing too much iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin, and iron deficiency anemia will eventually develop.Ĭauses of iron deficiency anemia include: Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that gives blood its red color and enables the red blood cells to carry oxygenated blood throughout your body. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes
Overloading the body with iron can be dangerous because excess iron accumulation can damage your liver and cause other complications. So see your doctor for a diagnosis rather than taking iron supplements on your own. Iron deficiency anemia isn't something to self-diagnose or treat. If you or your child develops signs and symptoms that suggest iron deficiency anemia, see your doctor. Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia.Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch.Inflammation or soreness of your tongue.Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.Iron deficiency anemia signs and symptoms may include: But as the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify. Initially, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed.