Anemia caused by iron deficiency happens when your body does not have sufficient iron to produce healthy cells, the red blood cells. In the absence of enough iron, there is a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and there is reduced supply of oxygen to your tissues. This general condition may co-exist with others like anemia of chronic disease; in iron deficiency, ferritin is low though in chronic disease it can be normal or elevated.
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 ICD-10 code D50.9 — Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified — is the most commonly used code for Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Laboratory tests to consider include serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), reticulocyte count, and a complete blood count (CBC).
In true iron deficiency anemia, ferritin levels are low and TIBC is high. In anemia of chronic disease, ferritin is normal or high and TIBC is low or normal.
Yes. Early iron deficiency presents with low ferritin levels but normal hemoglobin. Symptoms may appear before full anemia develops.
Yes. During pregnancy, iron requirements increase significantly. Iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
Oral iron therapy is typically continued for 3–6 months until lab values return to normal. IV iron injections may correct deficiencies faster, sometimes within a few sessions.
Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, fish, leafy green vegetables, and legumes. Consuming vitamin C–rich foods along with iron sources helps enhance absorption.
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and dark stools. These can be reduced by adjusting the formulation or taking iron with food.
If you experience persistent fatigue, abnormal lab values, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as bleeding or malabsorption, you should see a gastroenterologist for evaluation.
IV iron therapy is recommended for those who cannot tolerate oral iron, have serious malabsorption issues, or need a rapid correction of iron levels.
