The iron is then released in the bloodstream, where a protein called transferrin joins to it and provides the iron into the liver. When red blood cells are not able to function, they’re consumed by the spleen. These groups of people are at higher risk for iron deficiency anemia: Girls who menstruate, Especially if menstrual periods are obese – Women who’re pregnant or pregnant or people who’ve recently given birth – people who’ve undergone major surgery or physical injury – People with gastrointestinal ailments like coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease – People who have peptic ulcer disease – people who’ve undergone bariatric processes, particularly gastric bypass surgeries – Vegetarians, vegans, together with other people whose diets do not consist of iron rich foods – Kids who drink over 16 to 24 ounces daily of cow’s milk – Other less frequent causes of iron deficiency include: Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract because of gastritis, esophagitis, ulcers in the stomach or gut, hemorrhoids, angiodysplasia, infections such as diverticulitis, or tumors from the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon – Blood loss from chronic epistaxis – Blood loss from the kidneys or urinary bladder – Frequent blood contributions – Intravascular hemolysis, a condition wherein red blood cells divide from the blood vessels, discharging iron that’s then lost in the urine.

This sometimes occurs in individuals who engage in vigorous exercise, especially jogging. This could cause trauma to small blood vessels in the legs, so called march hematuria. Intravascular hemolysis may also be seen in other conditions including damaged heart valves or rare disorders like thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura or diffuse intravascular hemolysis. What Are the Signs of Iron Deficiency Anemia? Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are related into decreased oxygen delivery into the whole body and also may include: Being pale or having yellow sallow skin – Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy – Shortness of breath or chest pain, particularly with Action – Unexplained generalized weakness – Rapid heartbeat – Pounding or whooshing from the ears – Headache, particularly with Action – Craving for ice or clay – picophagia.

Sore or smooth tongue – Brittle nails or loss of hair – How Is Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed? Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed by blood tests which should include a complete blood count .