Iron deficient Anaemia

Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)

Iron deficiency aneamia (IDA) occurs when your body lacks enough iron to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. Below, we explain the potential causes of IDA, especially as they vary by age and gender, and provide information on treatment and follow-up.

Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes and Risk Factors

Iron deficiency aneamia can result from several factors, which often vary depending on age, gender, and individual health. Identifying the underlying cause of aneamia is essential for effective treatment.

Possible Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia by Age and Gender

1. Young Women:

   • Menstruation: Heavy menstrual periods are a common cause of iron deficiency in women of reproductive age due to increased blood loss.
   • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body requires more iron, so deficiency can develop if these needs are not met through diet or supplements.

   For more information, see NHS Iron Deficiency Anemia.

2. Men and Postmenopausal Women:

   • Gastrointestinal Blood Loss: In men and postmenopausal women, iron deficiency is often due to blood loss from the digestive tract. This can be due to peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, or, in rare cases, colorectal cancer.
   • Chronic Conditions: Chronic illnesses, such as chronic kidney disease, can contribute to iron deficiency by reducing the body’s ability to absorb or use iron.

   For detailed causes, refer to Patient.info: Causes of Anemia.

3. Children and Adolescents:

   • Growth Spurts: Rapid growth phases increase iron requirements, so children and adolescents may become anemic if their diet doesn’t provide enough iron.
   • Dietary Intake: Children on diets low in iron, especially diets that lack meat or fortified foods, are at higher risk.

4. General Causes Across All Ages:

   • Inadequate Dietary Intake: Diets low in iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals can lead to deficiency.
   • Poor Iron Absorption: Conditions affecting the digestive system (e.g., celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease) or previous surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass) can reduce iron absorption.
   • Medications: Some medications, like NSAIDs, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and iron loss over time.

Learn more about how digestive conditions affect iron absorption on the Royal College of Gastroenterology website.

If an underlying cause of iron deficiency is suspected based on your symptoms or health history, your healthcare provider may recommend further tests to help identify and treat the source.

Iron Supplementation: Protocol for Treatment and Monitoring

Iron supplementation is commonly prescribed to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Below is a guide on how to take iron supplements and monitor your progress.

Taking Iron Supplements

1. Recommended Dosage:

   • Iron is usually prescribed as ferrous sulfate, 200 mg,  taken one to three times daily. Other forms like ferrous fumarate 322mg or ferrous gluconate may be prescribed if needed.
   • Your doctor will advise you on the best dosage based on your needs and tolerance.

2. How to Take Iron:

   • With Water on an Empty Stomach: Iron is best absorbed when taken with water on an empty stomach, ideally one hour before meals. Avoid taking iron with milk, tea, coffee, or antacids, as they reduce absorption.
   • With Vitamin C: Taking iron with a source of vitamin C (such as a glass of orange juice) can help increase its absorption.
   • Managing Side Effects: Common side effects of iron supplements include nausea, constipation, and dark stools. If these are difficult to manage, your healthcare provider may recommend taking iron with a small amount of food or at a reduced dose initially.

For more guidance on taking iron supplements, visit NHS Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular follow-up and blood tests are necessary to ensure that iron levels are returning to normal and to check for any improvement in symptoms.

• Initial Blood Test: A full blood count and ferritin test are used to confirm iron deficiency.
• Follow-Up Testing: After starting iron supplements, your doctor will likely repeat your blood test at 2-4 months to assess your response to treatment.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Once iron levels have returned to normal, iron supplements are usually continued for another 3-6 months to replenish iron stores. Further testing may be done every 6-12 months to ensure levels remain stable.

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

If your symptoms persist or worsen despite taking iron supplements, it’s important to seek further medical evaluation. Other tests or specialist referrals may be necessary if:

• You experience symptoms like persistent fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations even after treatment.
• Your iron levels don’t improve as expected, which may suggest a malabsorption issue or another underlying condition.
• You experience symptoms suggestive of a more serious issue, such as unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or severe stomach pain.

Your GP can help assess your condition and may refer you to a gastroenterologist or other specialist if needed. Find out more about when to seek further help at Patient.info: Anemia.

Key Takeaways

1. Identify the Cause: Understanding why you are iron-deficient is key to effective treatment.
2. Take Iron Supplements Correctly: Follow your doctor’s guidance on dosage, timing, and any dietary recommendations to maximise absorption.
3. Monitor Your Health: Regular blood tests will help ensure that your iron levels are improving.
4. Seek Further Advice: If symptoms persist or new symptoms appear, further evaluation may be necessary.

For additional resources and guidance, refer to:

• NHS: Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Patient.info: Iron Deficiency Anemia

This guide is designed to support your journey in managing iron deficiency anaemia effectively and knowing when to seek additional help.