PharmEasy Blog

Low Iron Levels – What Does It Mean For Your Body?

Low iron levels – is it a cause of concern? Well, yes! Iron is a vital mineral that is essential for several bodily functions. One of them is transporting oxygen in the blood to various body parts. Iron deficiency occurs when there is insufficient iron in your blood. Such a condition can lead to iron deficiency anaemia with unpleasant symptoms like dizziness and fatigue, among many others.

Iron deficiency can be due to –

Effects of iron deficiency

Here is how low iron levels can affect your body:

 Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat

When your body lacks iron, the heart is forced to send a greater amount of blood to compensate for the low oxygen amount. This can cause irregular or rapid heartbeat.  

Stunted Growth

Children and infants with severe iron deficiency may experience stunted growth or delayed development. Loss of concentration and weak memory may also be a sign of very low and persistent iron deficiency. They are also prone to illnesses and infections.

Pregnancy Complications

A deficiency of iron in would-be mothers can cause certain complications during or post-pregnancy. For example – in extreme cases, premature childbirth or abnormally low birth weight can be seen if the mother has an iron deficiency. 

Affect on Skin, hair and nails

Iron deficiency can present as pale skin, brittle nails and dull and frizzy hair. Increased hair fall can also be seen in chronic cases. 

Weakness

Reduced iron levels can lead to weakness and dullness due to reduced oxygen supply to the rest of your body. This may impact the productivity of the people affected.

Effect of reproductive health

Iron deficiency anaemia can adversely affect a person’s reproductive health (for both males and females) and menstrual cycles in females. 

How can you deal with iron deficiency?

The best way to avoid iron deficiency is to make healthy changes to your dietary plan. Eating a diet that is rich in iron may help improve low levels of iron in the blood and prevent its potential complications.  Additionally, you should also focus on eating foods that contain vitamin C, as it enables the body to absorb iron. 

Here are a few examples of iron-rich foods that you should include in your diet:

IN-BLOG-01

Foods rich in essential vitamin C include:

In-Blog-02

Moreover, you might need to take iron supplements with your planned diet. Many pregnant women are advised to consume iron supplements as part of their prenatal care to prevent premature childbirth.

Keep in mind that it is important to monitor your iron levels from time to time if you have an iron deficiency. Haemoglobin and overall parameters in an iron profile test and CBC can give a picture of iron stores and haemoglobin levels to your doctor.  Following a diet high in iron and vitamin C can help you fight the ill effects of iron deficiency. In case your iron levels do not improve with dietary changes, your doctor may evaluate further to diagnose the cause of iron deficiency and advise you on suitable iron and vitamin supplements or blood transfusion in severe cases. 

Also Read: 4 Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician if in doubt before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

References

https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/iron-deficiency-anaemia#complications-of-iron-deficiency-anaemia

https://www.nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Control-of-Iron-Deficiency-Anaemia.pdf

Why An Iron-Rich Diet May Not Be Enough In Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Should you be worried about iron deficiency? Well, iron deficiency can indeed trigger a bunch of health disorders. But the good news is, you don’t have to lose sleep over it! Why? Because iron deficiency can easily be cured with timely intervention. This means, with early detection and adhering to your doctor’s instructions, you will be able to overcome iron deficiency anaemia in no time and resume a perfectly healthy and active lifestyle.

What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Studies have revealed that there are few foods and beverages that are high in nutrients but may hinder the absorption of iron by your body and result in iron deficiency in the body. The tannins found in tea, coffee, and wine block the absorption of iron by getting coupled with it and expelling it from the body. Wholegrains like bran include phytates and fibres that might hinder the absorption of minerals like iron. Due to its role in releasing iron from storage, vitamin A deficiency can result in iron insufficiency.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

What are the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron Deficiency Anaemia might have several underlying causes but they can all be grouped under 3 broad categories.

1. Reduced Intake of Iron

2. Poor Absorption of Iron

3. Excessive Loss of Blood

In a few cases, even a diet rich in iron content may not be enough to curb iron deficiency in iron deficiency anaemia. One such case is the increased requirement for iron when one is expecting a baby or nursing. The body requires extra iron in such cases. If this increased need is not satisfied, iron deficiency may develop very fast.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Unfortunately, there are not many home remedies and self-management methods in the case of iron deficiency anaemia. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) iron supplements as well as Folic Acid supplements, as an addition to your daily diet.

Tips & Precautions of Taking Iron Supplements

TipsPrecautions
Ensure that you take the iron supplement regularly as per the dosage and complete the entire course of medication for long-term benefits.If you experience unwanted side effects like gastritis, vomiting or nausea, you need not stop the treatment but seek medical advice at the earliest. (Your doctor may advise you of suitable alternatives.)
Most of these iron supplement tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 – 2 hours before meals for better absorption. A glass of orange juice, tomato salad or any citrus fruit when taken along with iron supplements, enhance their absorption.
Remember to eat foods that are rich in iron, vitamins, proteins, minerals, etc along with these iron supplements for a more comprehensive health benefit.Moreover, do not take iron supplements with tea, coffee, milk or calcium tablets (they hamper the absorption of iron). 
You can add green leafy vegetables, raisins, whole pulses, jaggery, poultry, fish, meat, fruits, black gram, groundnuts, milk, eggs and other nuts for a more balanced diet.In case of constipation, drink lots of water and consider adding a source of roughage (like a vegetable salad and whole fruits) to your diet.
In some cases, patients may not be able to absorb an adequate amount of iron from these supplements and for such people, intravenous iron infusions may be prescribed. When seeking intravenous iron infusions, you should always have it done in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. Since there may be a risk of developing life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, a doctor usually administers a test dose at first.

Key Takeaways

Conclusion

With sufficient awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, you can recognise the warning signs at home and seek timely treatment. Since there is no specific age for this ailment, it is all the more important that you eat healthily and exercise regularly to prevent its onset in the first place.

Also Read: How to Increase Iron Levels Quickly: Effective Strategies Backed by Research

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

17

Feeling Tired All The Time? You Could Be Iron Deficient

Iron deficiency in our body means low levels of iron in our body. This deficiency will lead to a reduced number of specific cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This implies that inadequate iron would lead to insufficient oxygen for the body. Therefore, one may continuously feel tired even without physical exertion along with shortness of breath.

Initially, with mild iron deficiency one may not find significant symptoms, however, as the deficiency progresses one may note symptoms like loss of appetite, weakness, pale skin, headache, dizziness, cold hands and feet, sore tongue, easily breaking nails, craving for strange things like ice, dirt, starch. If you notice any of these symptoms without a reasonable cause, you should consult your doctor for medical advice.

You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency can cause you to have unusual cravings for non-food items such as ice, dirt or paper.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Read More: Signs & Symptoms of Anaemia

Iron deficiency is more common but not necessarily limited to women, premature children, vegetarians if the consumed diet does not compensate for the same and people who donate blood more frequently.

There are several reasons why iron deficiency may occur like loss of blood, pregnancy, iron-deficient diet or specific disease conditions of the digestive system which do not allow adequate absorption of iron from the food. Hence, it is essential that one seeks medical advice to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Iron deficiency may be prevented by consuming more iron-rich foods like dried raisins, chicken, fish, beans, green leafy vegetables and many more. Vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron from food. So include citrus fruits like oranges, muskmelon, watermelon, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes in your diet.

Also Read: How to Increase Iron Levels Quickly: Effective Strategies Backed by Research

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute fairly common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.