IRON DEFICIENCY CAUSES
Iron deficiency, in context with human well-being, is a health condition which may arise either due to increased iron demand or decreased iron intake. The deficiency of iron often leads to a medical condition termed as iron deficiency which can occur in both children and adults in equal intensity.
Iron is an important mineral which is required by the human body for Haemoglobin, an important constituent of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The main function of Haemoglobin is to carry oxygen throughout the body to carry out different processes. The lack of iron in body depresses the production of Haemoglobin and Red Blood Cells which causes decreased ability of blood to carry oxygen. This condition is medically termed as anaemia.
A number of factors can cause lack in iron and hence, anaemia. Major causes are outlined here:
PREGNANCY
Iron deficiency anaemia is very common during pregnancy; particularly because this is the time when body needs extra iron so the baby receives sufficient blood and oxygen supply.
MONTHLY PERIODS
Iron deficiency anaemia is very common in women of reproductive age due to monthly periods. Usually women with heavy periods are more prone to develop iron deficiency anaemia after a certain period of time.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Chronic kidney disease is the major cause of iron deficiency anaemia in men and women. The inability of kidneys to perform filtration often lead to imbalance in minerals in your body including iron.
GASTROINTESTINAL BLOOD LOSS
Gastrointestinal tract is the part of body mainly dealing with the digestion of food. Bleeding in stomach and intestinal wall lining often lead to iron deficiency and anaemia. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major cause of anaemia in both men and women.
There are several factors that lead to bleeding such as:
STOMACH ULCERS: The acid in the stomach (which helps in digestion of food) often dissolves stomach lining when it exceeds normal level. An ulcer is formed in the stomach in the form of an open sore. The stomach ulcers cause stomach lining to bleed which causes iron deficiency and anaemia.
ANGIODYSPLASIA: It is a medical term conferred to abnormality of blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract that cause bleeding.
IMPROPER DIET
It is quite uncommon to encounter cases of iron deficiency anaemia solely due to diet problem, except in pregnant women. However, the cases of anaemia due to less iron intake are increasing at a faster rate. It is especially noted in people who ignore to include iron-rich foods such as eggs, meat, leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified foods in their daily diet plan. Diet imbalance is the major cause of anaemia in infants and children who need more iron in their diet for proper growth and development.
OTHER CAUSES
Malabsorption: It is a condition when body fails to absorb iron from food. Malabsorption is another major cause of anaemia.
Inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, trauma (accident which causes excessive blood loss), haematuria etc are other health disorders which also lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
