deficienciesiron

Iron deficiency is the state of depleted iron stores that impairs hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. It is the world's most common cause of anemia, with higher prevalence among women of reproductive age and people in low-income regions.

Common causes include inadequate dietary iron, increased demands (pregnancy, infancy), blood loss (menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding), and defective absorption from conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Parasitic infections and chronic illnesses can contribute as well.

Pathophysiology results in microcytic, hypochromic anemia and low iron stores. Diagnosis relies on laboratory tests: low hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume, low ferritin, low transferrin saturation, and sometimes high total iron-binding capacity. Ferritin may be normal or elevated with inflammation, requiring interpretation alongside inflammatory markers.

Symptoms include fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and restless legs. In children, iron deficiency can affect growth and development and may cause pica.

Treatment typically uses oral iron supplements (for example ferrous sulfate) to replenish stores, with vitamin C to aid absorption. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset and dark stools. Intravenous iron is used when oral therapy is ineffective or not tolerated, or in malabsorption.

Prevention focuses on dietary intake, fortification, and targeting high-risk groups such as pregnant women and young children. With treatment, iron stores and hemoglobin usually improve within weeks to months, and monitoring is advised to prevent recurrence.