Iron Deficiency Anaemia

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Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by a deficiency of iron in the bloodstream. The purpose of iron is to maintain bone marrow, which in turn produces red blood cells. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body.

When there is a deficiency in iron, the bone marrow is unable to produce enough blood cells. This makes it harder for oxygen to travel around the body. The body then becomes starved of oxygen, making the sufferer feel tired and drained of energy.

Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms

The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are:

  • tiredness
  • lack of energy
  • shortness of breath
  • heart palpitations.

Less common symptom of iron deficiency anaemia include:

  • tinnitus
  • altered sense of taste
  • pica- this is an impulse to eat inedible items such as clay, cardboard or paper
  • itchy sensation
  • difficulty swallowing
  • sore tongue.

People suffering from iron deficiency anaemia may also notice changes in their appearance. These changes include:

  • particularly pale complexion
  • painful sores at the corners of the mouth
  • abnormally smooth tongue (this is called atrophic glossitis)
  • dryness and flaking of the nails
  • spoon shaped nails.

Iron deficiency anaemia causes

Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough iron in the bloodstream. There are many possible reasons for an iron deficiency. The most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia include: 

  • Blood loss- trauma such as car accidents (where copious amounts of blood can be lost) can cause anaemia.
  • Heavy periods- some women lose a large amount of blood if they menstruate heavily.
  • Dietary deficiency- occasionally iron deficiency can caused by not eating enough iron-rich food products.
  • Pregnancy- women may find that their bodies lack in iron during pregnancy, due to the demands of the baby.
  • Burst stomach ulcer- this can cause internal bleeding.

How can diet help?

If a case of iron deficiency anaemia is thought to have been caused by diet, then a GP or nutritionist may recommend the following foods:

  • raisins
  • prunes
  • apricots
  • nuts
  • meats
  • iron-fortified bread
  • beans
  • dark green leafy vegetables including watercress and leafy kale.
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