What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common chronic condition encountered in daily life, affecting both adults and children. You may wish to learn more about what iron deficiency anemia is—so, what exactly does this term mean?

What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by insufficient iron stores (e.g., low ferritin levels) in the body, resulting in impaired hemoglobin synthesis within red blood cells. Common causes include inadequate dietary iron intake, impaired iron absorption, and chronic blood loss. Laboratory findings typically reveal microcytic, hypochromic anemia, along with reduced serum iron and ferritin concentrations. First-line treatment involves oral iron supplementation, such as ferrous sulfate granules, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate tablets, and polysaccharide-iron complex. For patients unable to tolerate or absorb oral iron, intravenous iron therapy is an effective alternative. Additionally, individuals with iron deficiency anemia should avoid tea and coffee, as these beverages contain compounds that inhibit iron absorption.

If you have iron deficiency anemia, prioritize consuming iron-rich foods—especially animal-based sources such as liver, whole blood, and lean meats. Compared with plant-based iron sources, heme iron from animal foods is significantly better absorbed by the human body.

Secondly, certain fruits and vegetables—particularly dark green leafy vegetables—are rich in non-heme iron. Examples include celery, spinach, green onions, lettuce, shiitake mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. Iron-rich fruits include jujubes (Chinese dates), apples, and apricots. We hope this information proves helpful to you!