Iron Deficiency
Iron Deficiency States
Low iron levels or low haemoglobin levels may be found in the following iron deficiency states or where iron requirements are higher.
- Medically diagnosed via blood test showing low haemoglobin levels.
- Nutritional inadequacy primary cause globally.
- Haemoglobin levels below medically acceptable lower limits.
- Low serum ferritin levels reflecting low iron stores.
- Inadequate dietary intake of iron especially in vegan and diets poor in meats.
- Menstrual bleeding.
- Disease states such as heart failure, cancer, gastrointestinal absorption and inflammatory disorders …celiac, IBS or Irritable Bowl Syndrome.
- Kidney disease and cancer patients.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
- Decreased body iron stores manifest incrementally as the iron loss through bleeding and cell turnover are not replenished from the diet.
- Initially low iron levels and associated iron deficiency anaemia (IDA)manifest as fatigue or tiredness, inability to concentrate and irritability.
- As iron levels decrease further fatigue becomes more pronounced with loss of breath and brittle hair and fingernails and cold and clammy hands and feet.
Enhanced Iron Requirements
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Growth periods in children and adolescents
- Excessive physical activity
- Post-surgery.