Anemia is a condition characterized by a bodily insufficiency of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or a combination of the two. Many different types of anemia with a wide array of underlying causes have been identified, but the most common form of the disease is iron deficiency anemia.

As suggested by its name, iron deficiency anemia is related to a paucity of the mineral iron, which the body requires to produce hemoglobin. The protein hemoglobin is the substance that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Without enough oxygen circulating in the body, symptoms such as extreme fatigue, pallor, weakness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and cold extremities may develop. Other possible signs of iron deficiency anemia include brittle nails, poor appetite, increased susceptibility to infection, headache, swelling and soreness of the tongue, and cracking of the sides of the mouth, though mild cases are sometimes asymptomatic.

Iron deficiency anemia affects an estimated one in five women and as many as half of all pregnant women. The high level of incidence associated with females is due to the reproductive cycle unique to the gender. Women lose a variable amount of iron each month during menstruation and significantly greater amounts when pregnant due to the fetal requirements for the nutrient. Men, however, may also develop anemia due to loss or poor absorption of iron, though they do so much less often than women, an estimated 2 percent of adult male Americans being affected by iron deficiency anemia. Iron loss can occur due to any type of bleeding and, therefore, iron deficiency anemia is often an indicator of another, more serious, condition, such as colon cancer, which can result in blood release into the stool. An inadequate dietary intake of iron, which is found in high concentrations in many foods, including meats, eggs, legumes, and whole grains, is rarely related to the condition in the United States, except among children.

Treatment for the iron deficiency anemia is primarily targeted at identifying and rectifying underlying causes if possible. Generally, patients are advised to take iron supplementation as well. Most cases readily respond to iron supplements, which can be taken orally or intravenously and may be necessary for up to 12 months in order for the body’s stores of the nutrient (predominantly found in the bone marrow) to be fully replenished. Individuals suffering from very mild cases of anemia may, however, be able to correct the problem by consuming a more iron-rich diet.

Iron Deficiency Anemia at 40x Magnification - Few complications related to iron deficiency anemia are known to occur, though severe cases may be associated with heart palpitations, digestive ailments, and other problems that may be especially dangerous for the elderly or other individuals in a weakened state.