Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Overview

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when low iron stores become severe enough to reduce haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Unlike iron deficiency alone, this stage almost always causes noticeable symptoms because the body's oxygen-carrying capacity is genuinely reduced.

Symptoms

Common signs include persistent tiredness, pale skin (especially inside the lower eyelids), shortness of breath on exertion, dizziness, headaches, a fast or noticeable heartbeat, and cold hands and feet. Brittle nails and hair loss can also occur.

Risk Factors

Heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, chronic blood loss (including from the gut), poor dietary iron intake, malabsorption conditions like coeliac disease, and frequent blood donation all increase risk.

Common Blood Tests

A full blood count shows low haemoglobin and small, pale red blood cells (microcytic, hypochromic anaemia). Ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation confirm iron is the cause rather than another type of anaemia.

Lifestyle Information

Iron-rich foods (red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, fortified cereals) paired with vitamin C can help, but dietary changes alone are often not enough to correct established anaemia — supplementation and treating the underlying cause are usually needed.

When to seek medical advice

See a doctor if you have symptoms of anaemia, especially alongside unexplained blood loss, black or tarry stools, or heavy periods — anaemia is a sign something needs investigating, not just treating with iron alone.

Sources