Iron Deficiency Anemia: Common Causes and Underlying Factors
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most prevalent forms of anemia worldwide, affecting millions of people across different age groups and demographics. It occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce adequate hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, the body struggles to maintain normal oxygen delivery, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Women
One of the leading causes of iron deficiency anemia in women is excessive menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia. This condition is often linked to underlying gynecological disorders such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis (commonly referred to as "chocolate cysts"). These conditions can significantly increase menstrual flow and duration, resulting in substantial blood loss over time. As blood contains iron, chronic heavy periods deplete iron stores faster than they can be replenished, eventually leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Poor Dietary Intake and Restricted Eating Habits
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy iron levels. Individuals who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets—especially those who avoid iron-rich animal products like red meat, poultry, and fish—are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency. Plant-based sources of iron (non-heme iron) are less efficiently absorbed by the body compared to animal-based (heme iron). Additionally, picky eating, extreme dieting, or poor nutrition during critical life stages such as adolescence or pregnancy can further contribute to insufficient iron intake.
Malabsorption Due to Gastrointestinal Disorders
The digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients, including iron, from food. Certain gastrointestinal conditions can impair this process, leading to iron deficiency despite adequate dietary intake. Chronic diseases such as peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis can damage the lining of the stomach or intestines, reducing their ability to absorb iron effectively. Surgical procedures involving the stomach or small intestine, such as gastric bypass, may also interfere with iron absorption.
Chronic Blood Loss from Internal Sources
Long-term, slow blood loss within the gastrointestinal tract is another major contributor to iron deficiency anemia. Conditions like hemorrhoids (piles) can cause persistent rectal bleeding, often visible as bright red blood in the stool. While the amount of blood lost per episode may seem minor, continuous bleeding over weeks or months can lead to significant iron depletion. Other potential sources of internal bleeding include colorectal polyps, gastrointestinal tumors, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that may cause stomach erosion or ulcers.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond the primary causes, several other factors can increase susceptibility to iron deficiency anemia. Rapid growth during infancy, childhood, or pregnancy increases the body's demand for iron. Pregnant women, in particular, require nearly double the usual amount of iron to support fetal development and increased blood volume. Frequent blood donation, parasitic infections (such as hookworm), and certain chronic diseases like kidney failure or heart failure can also disrupt iron balance and red blood cell production.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as impaired cognitive function, weakened immunity, and cardiovascular strain. If you experience persistent fatigue, dizziness, or unexplained paleness, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management. Addressing the root cause—whether dietary, physiological, or pathological—is key to restoring iron levels and achieving long-term health improvement.