lowiron

Lowiron refers to a deficiency of iron in the body, most often resulting in iron deficiency anemia. Iron is essential for hemoglobin in red blood cells; when stores are depleted, red blood cells become smaller and paler and oxygen transport is impaired.

Causes include blood loss (heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, gastrointestinal bleeding), insufficient dietary iron intake, poor iron absorption (celiac disease, gastric bypass, chronic gastritis), increased iron requirements (rapid growth, pregnancy), or chronic disease. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.

Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold intolerance, headache, brittle nails, and pica in some cases.

Diagnosis: complete blood count showing microcytosis and hypochromia; low serum ferritin; low serum iron; high TIBC; transferrin saturation decreased. Inflammation may mask ferritin levels; RBC indices provide additional information.

Treatment typically includes iron supplementation, usually oral iron therapy; intravenous iron may be used for intolerance or malabsorption. Addressing the underlying cause is essential, and replenishing iron stores may take weeks to months.

Prevention: include dietary iron (heme iron from animal products and non-heme iron from plants), combine with vitamin C to enhance absorption; avoid inhibitors around meals (tea, coffee, calcium supplements).