Understanding Iron Deficiency: What Causes It?
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. It occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate levels of heamoglobin —a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. While the effects of iron deficiency are well-documented—fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath—many people don't fully understand what causes it. In this article, we'll explore the main reasons why iron levels might drop and how to recognize risk factors.
1. Inadequate Iron Intake -
The most straightforward cause of iron deficiency is simply not getting enough iron in your diet. This is especially common among:
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Vegetarians and vegans who may lack sufficient heam iron (the type found in animal products).
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People with unbalanced diets or those who skip meals regularly.
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Children and teenagers who are growing rapidly and need more iron than adults.
Foods rich in iron:
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Red meat, poultry, and fish (heam iron – more easily absorbed)
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Leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals (non-heam iron – less easily absorbed)
Tip: Vitamin C can help improve absorption of non-heam iron, so pair plant-based iron sources with citrus fruits, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
2. Blood Loss-
Iron is stored in red blood cells, so any kind of blood loss can reduce iron levels significantly.
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Heavy menstrual periods are a common cause in women of reproductive age.
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Gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, heamorrhoids, or conditions like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also lead to chronic blood loss.
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Frequent blood donations or surgeries can lower iron levels if not replenished.
3. Poor Iron Absorption-
Even if you're eating enough iron, your body might not be absorbing it properly due to underlying conditions such as:
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Celiac disease, where the intestinal lining is damaged and can't absorb nutrients effectively.
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Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
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Post-surgery changes (e.g., after gastric bypass), which can interfere with nutrient absorption.
Some medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors (used for acid reflux) can also reduce iron absorption over time.
4. Increased Iron Needs-
Certain life stages and conditions increase your body's demand for iron:
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Pregnancy, where both mother and baby require more iron for proper development.
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Childhood and adolescence, periods of rapid growth.
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Athletes, especially endurance athletes, may experience iron loss through sweating or repeated foot-strike heamolysis (breaking of red blood cells).
In these cases, diet alone may not be enough, and supplements might be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts-
Iron deficiency can sneak up on you, but understanding the causes is the first step to prevention. If you suspect you're not getting enough iron—or if you're at risk due to diet, lifestyle, or medical conditions—it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. With the right approach, iron deficiency can be managed effectively through dietary changes, supplementation, or treatment of the underlying cause.
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