Iron Deficiency Anemia - Causes and Remedies

Image credit: mavink.com

What is iron-deficiency anemia?

Learn more about our editorial process. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, a blood disorder that affects your red blood cells.

How does iron deficiency anemia affect the body?

Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues. As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

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. How does iron-deficiency anemia develop?

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. 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.

What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/iron-deficiency
3. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/iron-deficiency-anaemia-and-iron-therapy
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22824-iron-deficiency-anemia
5. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia
6. https://www.blood.gov.au/treating-anaemia-and-managing-iron
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron-deficiency_anemia
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia