Worried about your pale skin or your sudden dizzy spells? You might have iron deficiency anemia. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the condition.

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Anemia happens when there is a low amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells or RBCs. Meanwhile iron deficiency anemia, which is the most common type of anemia, happens when the body lacks mineral iron which is required to be able to produce hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is the main protein in the RBCs that carries oxygen and delivers it throughout the entire body. A low amount of iron in the bloodstream means that your tissues and organs may not get enough oxygen that it needs.

Is this condition hereditary?

Not necessarily. There are hereditary disorders that can cause anemia and it can be mild or severe depending on its asperity. Genetic disorders such as thalassemia are known to hinder the production of hemoglobin as well as reduce the lifespan of RBCs.

What causes iron deficiency anemia?

Did you know that women are at a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia? This is because women lose blood during menstruation. Other causes include:

• The lack of iron in your daily diet
  The body normally gets iron from the food we consume. If you consume too little of iron-rich foods like meat, eggs, or leafy green veggies, then your body can become iron deficient over time.
  
  
• Pregnancy
  Pregnant women are often recommended to take iron supplementation because not only does their iron supply provide for their own increased blood volume, it also is the source of hemoglobin for the growing fetus.
  
  
• Unable to absorb iron
  If a part of your small intestine has been surgically removed, then you may have trouble absorbing iron. Other intestinal disorders such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease can affect your body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients.

Which symptoms should I look out for?

Iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. However, as time passes, the body becomes more deficient in iron that the condition worsens, intensifying the following signs and symptoms:

• Extreme fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Chest pains, unusually rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
• Dizziness, Migraines, lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Tongue inflammation or soreness
• Brittle nails
• Poor appetite

I have a pale complexion, does that mean I have anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is not the only cause of paleness. Other causes include lack of sun exposure, frostbite, dangerously low blood pressure or shock, or blockage in the artery of a limb.. Sometimes, it could just mean that you’re naturally pale!

However, paleness may be a sign that you’re seriously ill if it’s also accompanied by symptoms such as fainting, fever, and chest pain. Abdominal pain might mean that you’re experiencing internal bleeding. So if you’re going through these symptoms, it’s best that you consult with a doctor so they may correctly determine the underlying cause of your condition.

How can I reduce my risk of iron deficiency anemia?

Eating a well-balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods may help you prevent iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C-rich foods can also aid the body’s absorption of iron. Remember to grab these items on your next grocery run:

1. Red meat, pork and poultry
2. Seafood
3. Beans and peas
4. Green leafy vegetables like spinach
5. Raisins
6. Iron-fortified cereals, breads, pastas
7. Citrus juices or fruits like grapefruit and oranges
8. Broccoli
9. Peppers

SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/health/paleness#things-to-consider

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034