Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells due to a lack of iron. It is a common form of anemia and can be caused by a variety of factors. The four main causes of iron deficiency anemia are inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, blood loss, and increased requirements.
Inadequate dietary intake occurs when the body does not get enough iron from food sources. This can be caused by eating a diet low in iron-rich foods, such as lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and green leafy vegetables. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and broccoli, can help increase the body’s absorption of iron.
Malabsorption occurs when the body is unable to absorb iron from the diet properly. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and some medications.
Blood loss is another cause of iron deficiency anemia. This can occur through menstruation, childbirth, surgery, or injury.
Finally, increased requirements can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This occurs when the body needs more iron than usual due to rapid growth, such as during pregnancy or during adolescence. Infants and young children also have increased iron requirements due to rapid growth.
In summary, the four main causes of iron deficiency anemia are inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, blood loss, and increased requirements. It is important to address these causes in order to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia.