The direct consequence of iron deficiency is iron deficiency anemia. Groups that are most prone to developing this disease are children, and pre-menopausal women.
Total body iron averages approximately 3.8 g in men and 2.3 g in women. There are several mechanisms that control iron metabolism and safeguard against iron deficiency. The main regulatory mechanism is situated in the gastrointestinal tract. When loss of iron is not sufficiently compensated by adequate intake after some time that is determined by the state of body iron storage, iron deficiency develops.
Main causes :
- chronic bleeding (hemoglobin contains iron)
- excessive menstrual bleeding
- non-menstrual bleeding
- bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (ulcers,hemorroids etc)
- rarely laryngological bleeding or from the respiratory tract
- inadequate intake (special diets low in dietary iron)
- substances (in diet or drugs) interfering with iron absorption
- malabsorption syndromes
- genetic defects of iron metabolism
- Pale skin color (pallor)
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Sore tongue
- Brittle nails
- Unusual food cravings
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- full blood count - microcytic anemia
- low serum ferritin
- low serum iron
- high TIBC (total iron binding capacity)
- stool for blood loss
Treatment
Before any treatment is commenced there should be definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause for iron deficiency, particularly in older patients who are most susceptible to intestinal cancer.Then oral iron supplements mainly in the form of ferrous sulfate tablets.
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