Understanding Anemia, And The Signs And Causes Of Low Iron Levels

  • 25 Aug 2025

Key highlights or summary

  • Iron is essential for haemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • Fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and cognitive difficulties are common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
  • Low iron can result from poor diet, menstruation, pregnancy, chronic illness, and blood loss.
  • Women, children, and people with gastrointestinal issues are especially prone to iron deficiency.
  • A balanced diet rich in iron, and iron supplements, and addressing underlying health conditions can help manage anemia.

    Rate Our Article

    We'd love to know!

    • 0

    • 0

    • 0

    • 0

    recipe-form

    How was the experience with article?

    Please provide your details and our team will reach out to you soon!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Some common signs include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and hair loss. Cognitive symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, irritability, and memory problems.

    In children, iron deficiency can lead to poor concentration, reduced interest in play, delayed growth and development, and poor academic performance, which can sometimes be mistaken for laziness.

    Women of reproductive age are more at risk because of menstrual blood loss and the increased iron demands of pregnancy. Heavy periods can significantly affect iron levels, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

    Insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, poor absorption of iron due to the consumption of certain beverages like coffee or tea, and a lack of vitamin C-rich foods (which enhance iron absorption) are common dietary causes of iron deficiency.

    Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and gastrointestinal surgeries can impair iron absorption. Chronic diseases such as kidney disease or cancer can also interfere with iron processing in the body. Blood loss from ulcers, hemorrhoids, or gastrointestinal bleeding are other common causes.

    Related Blogs