5 causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Do you look pale than usual? You may have iron deficiency anemia. Here are the five most common causes of iron deficiency anemia you need to know.
- The most common cause is chronic blood loss. This can be due to heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, hemorrhoids, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. reference
- Another significant cause is insufficient iron intake. Not consuming enough iron-rich foods, like red meat, beans, lentils, and leafy green vegetables, can lead to iron deficiency, which is especially common in vegetarians or those with poor dietary habits.
- Some medical conditions, like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, can affect iron absorption in the GI tract and can lead to a deficiency of iron stores.
- Some situations require more iron, such as pregnancy, growth spurts during childhood and adolescence, and breastfeeding. If the increased need is not met, it can lead to deficiency.
- Chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, or heart failure can cause chronic inflammation, which can interfere with the body’s ability to use and store iron, leading to anemia.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any of these, talk to your doctor asap.
