Complications

Complications from mild iron deficiency anemia are rare. Iron deficiency anemia, however, can worsen if treatment is not received and result in the following health issues:

Cardiac issues: A fast or erratic heartbeat might be a symptom of iron deficient anemia. When you're anemic, your heart has to pump more blood to make up for the reduced amount of oxygen in your blood. Heart failure or an enlarged heart may result from this.
pregnancy-related issues.

Problems during Pregnancy's: Premature deliveries and low birth weight newborns have been associated with severe iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. However, if pregnant women take iron supplements as part of their prenatal care, the disease can be avoided.

Issues with growth: Severe iron deficiency in newborns and children can cause impaired growth and development in addition to anemia. Furthermore, an elevated vulnerability to infections is linked to iron deficiency anemia.

 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 4). Iron deficiency anemia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034

When to see a doctor? 

Consult your physician if you or your kid exhibit any symptoms that point to iron deficiency anemia. It is not possible to self-diagnose or treat iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, rather than taking iron supplements on your own, get a diagnosis from your doctor. Because too much iron can harm your liver and lead to other issues, it can be harmful to overload your body with iron.

However, if you do not have access to a physician, here are some ways you can prevent iron deficiency anemia: 

Choose iron-rich foods

Foods rich in iron include:

  • Red meat, pork and poultry
  • Seafood
  • Beans
  • Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
  • Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots
  • Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas
  • Peas

Meat is a better supplier of iron for your body than other foods. To absorb the same amount of iron as someone who eats meat, you might need to consume more iron-rich plant-based meals if you decide not to eat meat.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 4). Iron deficiency anemia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034

 

 

 

Choose foods containing vitamin C to enhance iron absorption

You can enhance your body's absorption of iron by drinking citrus juice or eating other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time that you eat high-iron foods. Vitamin C in citrus juices, like orange juice, helps your body to better absorb dietary iron.

Vitamin C is also found in:

  • Broccoli
  • Grapefruit
  • Kiwi
  • Leafy greens
  • Melons
  • Oranges
  • Peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Tangerines
  • Tomatoes

 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 4). Iron deficiency anemia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034

 

 

 

Preventing iron deficiency anemia in infants

For the first year of life, give your baby breast milk or iron-fortified formula to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Babies under one year old shouldn't drink cow's milk because it isn't a good source of iron for them. To increase your baby's iron intake, start giving them iron-fortified cereals or pureed meats at least twice a day after they are six months old. Make sure kids don't consume more than 20 ounces (591 milliliters) of milk each day when they are one year old. Too much milk frequently replaces other nutrients, especially iron-rich foods.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 4). Iron deficiency anemia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034

Where Can You Find More Information? 

 

Here are some other sites that can be useful if you decide you want to learn more about blood diseases and disorders: