Iron Deficiency

What is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin. Without sufficient iron, your tissues and organs receive less oxygen, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and slowed bodily functions.

Common Symptoms

Iron deficiency often develops gradually. You may notice:

• Tiredness or feeling weak
• Pale skin or pale inner eyelids
• Hair loss or brittle hair
• Thin, spoon-shaped, or ridged nails
• Shortness of breath during mild activity
• Craving non-food items like ice or clay (pica)
• Cold hands and feet
• In children: poor growth, learning delays, irritability
• In pregnant women: increased fatigue and risk to mother and baby

Causes

Several factors can lead to iron deficiency:

• Poor diet low in iron-rich foods (red meat, leafy greens, beans, fortified cereals)
• Blood loss from heavy periods, ulcers, hemorrhoids, or other sources
• Malabsorption issues (celiac disease, gastric bypass surgery)
• Higher iron demands (growth spurts in children, teenage years, pregnancy)
• Chronic illnesses (kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease)

Treatment Options for Iron Deficiency in Katy

Treatment includes dietary changes, supplements, and medical care:

• Iron-rich diet: Add lean red meats, beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens, paired with vitamin C sources (citrus fruits or bell peppers) to enhance absorption.
• Oral iron supplements: Daily ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate tablets to replenish stores.
• IV iron therapy: Intravenous iron infusions for patients with very low ferritin levels, severe anemia, or poor oral absorption.
• Follow-up blood tests: Regular monitoring of hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation to track your progress.
• Supplement timing & side-effect management: Take iron on an empty stomach or with vitamin C; if you experience GI upset, try lower doses, different formulations, or take with a small snack.
• Addressing underlying causes: Evaluate and manage sources of blood loss (menstrual bleeding, GI lesions) or absorption issues (celiac disease, bariatric surgery).