Have you ever found that even spending several hours in sleep has not given you enough energy to strike off even one activity from your to-do list? If that is so in your case, it is probable that you may have an iron deficiency that is well known to cause a lack of energy. Unluckily for many individuals, iron deficiency is much more common yet it hardly gets diagnosed.
There are millions of people suffering from iron deficiency or anemia. It is not so much of a disease that attacks you but sneaks up on you gradually, causing feelings of exhaustion, and even dizziness. So, what are the causes of iron deficiency in adults? Do you belong to that set of people that may get attacked by it? And finally, how to cure the symptoms?
Why Does Iron Matter So Much?
Before talking about why iron deficiency arises, let’s consider why iron is so necessary to us. Iron is necessary for hemoglobin formation, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen to all of your body’s tissues. If your iron level decreases to lower levels, your body cannot transport enough oxygen to tissues. This leads to fatigue, weakness, and the onset of other wretched symptoms.
Here’s the catch: Our body cannot make iron. We have to get it from food or supplements. And if you aren’t getting enough or if your body isn’t absorbing it properly, you’re at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
There are several reasons for iron deficiency in adults. However, in all cases, it finally comes to one of these categories:
Blood Loss
Loss of blood is one of the leading causes of iron deficiency in adults, especially among women. Iron levels can drop considerably with heavy menstrual periods over time. And it’s not just menstruation — internal bleeding from ulcers, gastrointestinal conditions (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or even regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs– (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can lead to blood loss.
Even minor but persistent bleeding can cause a slow but steady loss of iron stores, making it difficult for your body to keep pace.
Inadequate Iron Intake
Are you not eating enough iron-rich foods? That could be a reason. The human body depends on dietary sources of iron, and if you aren’t eating enough, your levels can be reduced. It is especially common among vegetarians and vegans who do not substitute meat with other sources of iron, such as lentils, beans, tofu, or fortified cereals.
Foods high in iron include:
- Red meat, poultry, and fish
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Beans and lentils
- Fortified cereals and grains
- Nuts and seeds
Eating iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (such as oranges or bell peppers) can enhance absorption, while too much dairy, coffee, and tea can diminish it.
Poor Iron Absorption
Even if you’re getting enough iron, your body may not be absorbing it adequately. Some medical conditions — like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or previous gastric bypass surgery — can hinder the absorption of iron.
Certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) taken for acid reflux, reduce stomach acid levels, which are necessary for iron absorption, as well.
Increased Iron Needs
Pregnant women require greatly increased levels of iron to help sustain their own bodies as well as to act as a crucial building block for their child to grow and become stronger. Iron deficiency and/or anemia can develop rapidly if they’re not getting enough iron from their diet or prenatal vitamins.
Athletes, particularly endurance runners, may have increased red blood cell turnover and lose iron in sweat, and thus, may have higher iron requirements as well.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop an iron deficiency but some people are at greater risk than others. The following are the main risk factors for iron deficiency:
Women on Periods
Women with heavy periods face an increased risk from loss of blood month to month.
Pregnant Women
Iron needs are heightened by pregnancy. If not managed with iron-rich foods or supplements, deficiency can occur.
Frequent Blood Donors
Giving blood regularly can result in a low iron level if the body doesn’t have sufficient time to restore its iron stores between donations.
Vegetarians and Vegans
Because plant-based diets don’t contain heme iron (the type of iron that is easily absorbed, and is found in animal products), vegetarians and vegans must take extra care to monitor their iron intake.
People with Chronic Illnesses
Diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, or heart failure can affect iron levels, either by raising the need for iron in the body or reducing the body’s capacity to properly use stored iron.
Symptoms of Low Iron
- Iron deficiency does not always present obvious symptoms at first, but as it advances they may travel from this list and include:
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin (look at your inner eyelids — if they’re pale rather than red, chances are you’re low on iron)
- Dry cough and dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails and hair loss
- Strange cravings (such as ice, dirt, or chalk—this condition is known as pica)
If any of this resonates, it’s time to have your iron levels checked.
How Is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?
Iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Your doctor will probably test your hemoglobin and ferritin levels (a marker of stored iron). If they’re low, your doctor might suggest dietary changes, supplements, or additional tests to help identify the underlying cause.
Iron Deficiency Treatment Options
Iron deficiency is treated by increasing the body’s total iron reserves. If you’re diagnosed with low iron, these are steps to raise iron levels in an ideal way:
- Dietary Adjustments:
Include iron-fortified food in your meals and increase vitamin C foods for proper iron assimilation. - Iron Supplements:
Your doctor might prescribe iron supplements but take these with caution as too much iron might cause digestive side effects or poisoning. - Treating the cause of deficiency:
If deficiency results from heavy periods, other illnesses, or digestive conditions, treating the cause of deficiency is needed.
Where to Get Help in Mississauga
If you suspect iron deficiency while residing in Mississauga, go visit a Family Doctor in Mississauga who can perform iron deficiency testing and start the treatment then and there. You can also visit a Walk-in Clinic Near Square One Area for easier/quick access. In the case of blood work, a TB Skin Test as well as a TB skin test in Square One at most clinics providing lab services.
Final Thoughts
Iron deficiency is not just about feeling tired, it can affect your overall health and well-being. The good news? It’s treatable. You can develop high energy and maintain a goal of good health by eating iron-rich foods, having knowledge of your risk factors, and receiving regular examinations.
If you think you might be iron deficient, don’t just brush it off! A blood test and some lifestyle tweaks can go a long way. Stay strong, stay vibrant, and get your health on—you got this!
