What is Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Lavanya Garapati , Hematologists

Anaemia is a condition where your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells(RBCs) or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in RBCs that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When hemoglobin levels are low, your body receives less oxygen, making you feel tired, weak, and breathless.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia is one of the most common types of anaemia, and it happens when the body doesn't have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen through the body using a protein called hemoglobin, which depends on iron.

This condition can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed in the early stages. But as iron levels continue to drop, symptoms usually become more noticeable and can start to interfere with daily activities.

What are the Stages of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency doesn't happen overnight. It usually develops in three stages, each with different signs:

Stage 1: Decreased Iron Stores

The body's iron levels begin to drop, but there are no symptoms yet. Blood tests may show low ferritin (a marker of stored iron), but hemoglobin levels are still normal. Most people don't notice anything at this stage.

Stage 2: Iron-Deficient Erythropoiesis

The body starts having trouble making healthy red blood cells. Hemoglobin production slows down. You may start feeling mild fatigue or weakness, especially after activity.

Stage 3: Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Hemoglobin drops below normal. Symptoms become more noticeable tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and dizziness. This is when iron-deficiency anaemia is officially diagnosed and needs treatment.

What Causes Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. There are several reasons why someone might develop an iron deficiency:

Poor iron intake: Not eating enough iron-rich foods (like meat, leafy greens, or fortified cereals).
Blood loss: From Heavy menstrual periods, bleeding from the stomach or intestines (due to ulcers, polyps, hemorrhoids, or cancer), Injury, surgery, or childbirth, Frequent blood donations.
Increased need for iron: During pregnancy or periods of rapid growth (like in children or teens).
Poor absorption: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or past weight loss surgery can reduce your ability to absorb iron from food

Sometimes, more than one cause may be present, which is why a proper evaluation is so important.

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What are the Common Symptoms to Watch for in Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

The symptoms can range from mild to more severe depending on how low your iron levels are. Some of the most common signs include:

Common Symptoms

Constant tiredness or fatigue
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or headaches
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Headaches
Cold hands and feet
Irritability
Poor concentration

Less Common Signs

Craving non-food items (like ice, dirt, or starch), called pica
Sore or swollen tongue
Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
Hair loss
Muscle cramps
Restless legs syndrome (uncomfortable feeling in legs while resting)

In children, iron deficiency can also affect growth, learning, and behavior.

How is Iron Deficiency Anaemia Diagnosed?

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. If iron deficiency is suspected, your doctor will likely order:

Blood Tests:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check your red blood cell and hemoglobin levels.
Serum ferritin and iron tests: These help measure how much iron is stored in your body.
Serum Ferritin: Measures iron storage

Additional Tests

Stool test for hidden blood
Endoscopy or colonoscopy (to check for internal bleeding)
Gynaecological evaluation (in women with heavy periods)
Urine test for blood loss

Diagnosing the cause is just as important as identifying the deficiency itself, to make sure the right treatment is given.

What are the Treatment Options for Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

The good news is that iron deficiency anaemia is usually treatable, especially when caught early. Treatment may include:

Iron supplements: Often taken as pills, but sometimes given as injections or IV in more severe cases.
Diet changes: Eating more iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin C: Helps your body absorb iron better, so your doctor may suggest taking it with iron supplements.
Treating the cause: Whether it's managing heavy periods, treating ulcers, or improving nutrient absorption.
Iron Infusions or Blood Transfusions: Used in severe cases where oral iron doesn't work or isn't tolerated

Recovery takes time, and regular blood tests are usually needed to track progress.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you:

Feel unusually tired, weak, or out of breath
Have pale skin or cold extremities
Experience unusual cravings
Have heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Notice blood in your stool or dark-colored stool

Avoid self-diagnosing or taking iron supplements without medical advice. Too much iron can harm your liver and other organs.

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Who is at Risk?

You are at a higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia if you:

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
Menstruate heavily
Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
Donate blood often
Have undergone gastrointestinal or weight loss surgery
Have digestive conditions (like ulcers, gastritis, or inflammatory bowel disease)
Is a child or teenager going through a growth spurt
Were born prematurely or with low birth weight

Self-Care Tips

Follow your doctor's instructions for iron supplements
Avoid taking calcium and iron at the same time (calcium reduces iron absorption)
Avoid tea or coffee with meals (they may reduce iron absorption)
Take iron with vitamin C or on an empty stomach if tolerated

Prevention: How to Avoid Iron Deficiency

Eat a balanced diet with enough iron and vitamin C
Women with heavy periods should consider iron-rich diets or supplements
During pregnancy, take prenatal vitamins that contain iron
Limit cow's milk in infants under one year (it can interfere with iron absorption)
Regular check-ups if you donate blood often

Complications if Left Untreated

If not treated, iron deficiency anaemia can lead to:

Heart problems (irregular heartbeat or heart failure)
Pregnancy complications (low birth weight or premature birth)
Growth and development delays in children
Weakened immunity and frequent infections
Mental fog or difficulty concentrating

What are Iron-Rich Foods to Support Recovery?

Eating the right foods plays a big role in treating and preventing iron deficiency. Here are some foods that can help improve iron levels naturally:

Heme Iron Sources (animal-based, easily absorbed)
Red meat (like beef and lamb)
Chicken and turkey
Liver and organ meats
Fish and shellfish (like tuna and clams)
Non-Heme Iron Sources (plant-based)
Spinach and leafy greens
Lentils, chickpeas, and beans
Tofu and soy products
Fortified cereals and whole grains
Pumpkin seeds, nuts, and dried fruits like apricots and raisins

Foods That Help Iron Absorption

Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and bell peppers
Drinking a glass of orange juice with your iron-rich meal boosts absorption

Foods to Limit Around Iron-Rich Meals

Tea or coffee (can block iron absorption)
Calcium-rich foods or supplements (take them separately if needed)

Dos and Don'ts

Follow the below-mentioned Do's and Don'ts to prevent iron deficiency disease and its complications.

Do's	Don'ts
Eat iron-rich foods	Ignore anaemia signs and symptoms
Consume vitamin C-rich foods	Smoke
Take only prescribed iron supplements	Take iron with antacids
Regularly exercise	Consume excess amounts of alcohol
Regular health check-up	Eat processed and junk foods

Our Experience in Treating Iron Deficiency Anaemia

At Medicover Hospitals, our expert general physicians and hematologists provide personalized care for iron deficiency anaemia. Our team of experienced doctors, dietitians, and lab experts work together to find the cause of your anaemia and provide a treatment plan that works for you. Whether it's a simple dietary fix or more advanced care, we're here to help you feel better, regain your energy, and improve your overall health.

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