Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Key points
- Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia.
- * not eating an iron-rich diet that contains green leafy vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and eggs.
- The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems.
- Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a routine blood test.
Iron-deficiency anemia definition:
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It is the lack of iron in the blood, which is necessary to make hemoglobin.
Iron-deficiency anemia is believed to be due to:
* blood loss
* poor diet
* an increased need for iron
* an underlying condition
Suggested risk factors include:
* not eating an iron-rich diet that contains green leafy vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and eggs.
* growth spurts in children and adolescents.
* pregnancy and breastfeeding.
* other medical conditions.
Iron-deficiency anemia symptoms:
The following are the most common symptoms for iron-deficiency anemia, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently:
* fatigue
* pale skin, lips, nails, palms of hands, and underside of the eyelids
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Iron-deficiency anemia diagnosis:
Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a routine blood test. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for iron-deficiency anemia may include additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures.
Iron-deficiency anemia treatment:
Specific treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will be determined by your physician's based on:
* your overall health and medical history
* extent of the disease
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* expectations for the course of the disease
* your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
* vitamin and mineral supplements, which include dibencozide, folic acid, vitamin B-6, All-1 Powder, Liquid Liver Extract
* change in diet, nutritional yeast flakes, pumpkin seeds, & molasses
* medication
* treatment of the underlying cause of the disease
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.