Definition:
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and is also known as sideropenic anemia. It is the very
common cause of microcytic anemia. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the dietary intake or absorption of iron is
insufficient, and hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed.
Diagnosis:
Anemia can be diagnosed from symptoms and signs, but when anemia is mild it may not be diagnosed from mild
non-specific symptoms. Anemia is often primarily shown by routine blood tests, which generally include a complete
blood count (CBC). A sufficiently low hemoglobin (HGB) or hematocrit (HCT) value is characteristic of anemia, and
more studies will be undertaken to determine its cause and the exact diagnosis.
Treatment:
If the cause is dietary iron deficiency, iron supplements, usually with iron (II) sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or
iron amino acid chelate NaFeEDTA, will usually correct the anemia.
Symptoms and Signs:
Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by pallor (reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin in skin or mucous membrane),
fatigue and weakness. Due to its tends to develop slowly, adaptation occurs and the disease often goes
unrecognized for some time. In severe cases, dyspnea (trouble breathing) can happen.
Causes:
Iron deficiency anemia is the most usual form of anemia. Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and
3% of men are iron deficient. Iron is the fundamental component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in the
blood.
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