What is iron deficient erythropoiesis?

Iron deficiency anemia also known as iron deficiency erythropoiesis is a condition that develops when your body doesn’t have enough iron. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Causes

The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia is a diet low in iron. However, iron deficiency anemia can also be caused by:

- Blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or blood donation.

- Inability to absorb iron, such as from celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or gastric bypass surgery.

- Increased demand for iron, such as during pregnancy or rapid growth in children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild iron deficiency anemia may not cause any symptoms. More severe iron deficiency anemia can cause:

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Shortness of breath

- Dizziness

- Lightheadedness

- Headaches

- Brittle nails

- Sore tongue

- Pale skin

- Cold hands and feet

Treatment

The treatment for iron deficiency anemia is to increase your iron intake. This can be done by:

- Eating iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals

- Taking iron supplements

In some cases, iron deficiency anemia may require medical treatment, such as:

- Intravenous iron therapy

- Blood transfusion

Prevention

The best way to prevent iron deficiency anemia is to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of iron-rich foods. You should also avoid taking medications that can interfere with iron absorption, such as antacids and calcium supplements. If you are pregnant or have any other conditions that increase your risk of iron deficiency anemia, talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement.