Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Caused by insufficient iron in the body
- Often results from blood loss or pregnancy
- Treated with iron tablets and dietary adjustments
- Untreated anaemia can lead to heart and immune issues
Overview
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are crucial for carrying oxygen throughout your body, so a lack of them leads to various symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. This condition commonly results from blood loss, such as heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding from conditions like ulcers. Increased iron needs, particularly during pregnancy, or insufficient iron intake from diet can also contribute. Treatment typically involves taking iron supplements to replenish your body's iron stores and making dietary adjustments to include more iron-rich foods. Your doctor will also investigate and address the underlying cause of the iron deficiency to prevent recurrence.
Signs and Symptoms
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)
- Paleness of skin
- Headaches
- Ringing or buzzing in ears (tinnitus)
- Strange food taste
- Hair loss
- Craving non-food items (pica)
- Spoon-shaped nails
- Restless legs
Things That Increase the Risk
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Pregnancy
- Internal bleeding (e.g., from ulcers, NSAID use)
- Inflammation of the bowel or food pipe
- Certain cancers (less common)
- Diets low in iron
- Conditions affecting iron absorption
Diagnosis
- Doctor reviews lifestyle and medical history
- Full blood count (FBC) test to check red blood cells
- Checks for other types of anaemia
- Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for blood in stool
- Referral to a specialist for unclear causes
Treatment & Management
- Address the underlying cause of iron deficiency
- Take iron tablets as prescribed
- Continue tablets for about 6 months
- Drink orange juice after tablets to aid absorption
- Manage potential side effects like constipation or tummy pain
- Repeat blood tests to monitor iron levels
Prevention
- Eat iron-rich foods (dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, pulses)
- Limit coffee, milk, dairy, and high-phytic acid foods
- Manage heavy menstrual bleeding
- Monitor iron levels during pregnancy
- Avoid excessive use of NSAIDs if prone to bleeding
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Iron Deficiency Anaemia:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
People with low iron, often due to blood loss or pregnancy
Prevalence
Most common type of anaemia
Diagnosis
Blood test (Full Blood Count)
Treatment
Iron tablets and dietary changes
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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