OptimealHealth
Nutritional Disorders

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most frequent cause of anemia worldwide.

Definition

Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by a lack of iron leading to decreased hemoglobin synthesis and reduced functional red blood cells.

How it works

Symptoms: intense fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, palpitations, hair loss, fragile nails. It particularly affects women of childbearing age (menstrual losses), pregnant women, growing children, and vegans. Diagnosis is based on NFS and ferritinemia (<30µg/L).

Role

Reduction of oxygen transport to tissues with impacts on fatigue, cognition, and immunity.

Examples

  • Ferritin <30µg/L + hemoglobin <12g/dL (woman) or <13g/dL (man)

Recommendations

Iron supplementation 50-100mg/day between meals + vitamin C. Identify and treat the cause of deficiency.

Key takeaway

Unexplained fatigue in women should always test ferritin – iron deficiency is the leading cause.

A question about Iron Deficiency Anemia? Ask our nutrition AI.

Ask a question