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Benign Hematologic (Blood) DisordersA collaborative project of the Arizona Telemedicine Program, the Arizona Health Sciences Library and the Arizona Cancer Center.
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Iron Deficiency
Iron is essential in the production of red blood cells (RBCs), the oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Therefore, iron deficiency results in anemia, inadequate oxygen in the tissues due to RBC deficiency (see Anemia).
Iron deficiency is caused by dietary insufficiency or by lack of absorption of iron from the digestive tract. Dietary iron insuffiency is relatively common, affecting 10-30% of U. S. adults. Malabsorption of iron from the digestive tract may be caused by diarrhea, gastrointestinal surgery, blood loss, or blood disease. Iron deficiency is especially common in pregnant and nursing women, infants, and adolescents.
Symptoms of iron deficiency include "pica," the desire to eat non-food items such as ice or dirt, and symptoms of anemia such as shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, cracking in mouth corners, smooth tongue, burning or pricking of the skin, and neuralgias (pain). Iron deficiency may also be a cause of thrombocytosis. Iron deficiency can be diagnosed by patient history, physical examination for symptoms, and laboratory testing. Treatment includes the taking of iron replacements and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which aids in iron absorption.
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Updated: October 30, 2000