Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body lacks enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. Without sufficient iron, hemoglobin levels fall and your tissues receive less oxygen. This common condition can overlap with other types, such as anemia of chronic disease; in true iron deficiency, ferritin is low, while in chronic disease it may be normal or high.
Iron deficiency anemia may not cause obvious symptoms at first, but as iron levels decline you may notice:
Several factors can lead to iron deficiency anemia:
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The most common ICD-10 code for Iron Deficiency Anemia is D50.9 (Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified).
Key laboratory tests include serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), reticulocyte count, and a complete blood count (CBC).
In true iron deficiency anemia, ferritin is low and TIBC is elevated. In anemia of chronic disease, ferritin may be normal or high while TIBC is low or normal.
Yes. Early iron depletion often shows low ferritin levels despite a normal hemoglobin, so you can experience symptoms before full anemia develops.
Yes. Pregnancy increases iron requirements, and iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue and raise the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
Oral iron therapy is typically continued for 3-6 months after lab values normalize. Intravenous iron may correct deficiency more quickly, often within a few sessions.
Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, fish, leafy green vegetables, and legumes. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron sources enhances absorption.
Oral iron can cause nausea, constipation, and dark stools. Switching formulations or taking with food may reduce these effects.
Consult a gastroenterologist if fatigue persists, lab values remain abnormal, or you experience gastrointestinal symptoms like bleeding or malabsorption.
Intravenous iron is recommended if you cannot tolerate oral supplements, have significant malabsorption issues, or require rapid correction of iron levels.
