Human body utilizes the iron (to produce hemoglobin for carrying oxygen) from food supply and to some extent reuses the iron that is released after red blood cells break down. If an individual consumes less than required amount of iron per day or losing iron from body due to any reason, iron deficiency anemia can result. Common causes of iron deficiency anemia include lack of adequate iron in food, loss of blood (chronic or acute loss), pregnancy and inability to absorb iron.

Lack of adequate iron in food:

This is one of the most important as well as common cause of iron deficiency anemia. This is particularly important in underdeveloped countries, where diet may be generally poor in iron. Only approximately 5-10% of iron we eat is absorbed normally (although the absorption may be higher in iron deficiency anemia). The rest of the iron we eat is wasted.

Pure vegetarians are at higher risk of iron deficiency anemia, as vegetables are generally poorer in iron content and also less percentage of iron is absorbed from vegetable origin. Pure vegetarians need to plan their diet properly so the low absorption rate can be compensated appropriately. Foods of animal sources are generally rich in iron and also higher percentage is easily absorbed and individuals have less risk of iron deficiency anemia, if they consume food from animal sources.

Milk, including breast milk is poor source of iron and infants after weaning need iron rich foods for preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Loss of blood:

Loss of blood is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in developed countries. Because, hemoglobin is present in the red blood cells and blood loss due to any reason, there is loss of red blood cells and loss of hemoglobin as a result. Blood loss may be acute (due to injury as in road traffic accidents) or chronic (e.g. bleeding from gastrointestinal ulcer, heavy blood loss during menstruation in women, tumor of kidney, bladder etc.). In developing countries worm infestation is a common cause of chronic blood loss, as worms living in the intestine survive on blood and also there is bleeding from the site of sucking of blood in intestine.

Pregnancy:

During pregnancy there is increased demand for iron due to growing fetus as well as due to increase in blood volume. If the iron intake is not increased appropriately/adequately there may be iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation should be done routinely during pregnancy to prevent iron deficiency anemia, which is common during pregnancy.

Inability to absorb iron:

In certain medical condition there may be inability (or inadequate amount is absorbed) to absorb iron from intestine, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. Iron absorption may also hamper in case of surgical removal of a part of small intestine to treat ulcer or cancer. Uses of medications which reduce gastric acid secretion also reduce iron absorption.

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