Why is there iron deficiency?

Generally speaking, iron deficiency may be caused by insufficient iron intake, increased iron demand, impaired absorption in the body, iron loss, or chronic blood loss. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient Iron Intake

In adolescents, inadequate consumption of iron-rich foods in daily life can lead to iron deficiency. Dietary habits should be adjusted accordingly, avoiding picky eating and ensuring appropriate intake of iron-rich foods such as animal liver, lean meat, spinach, and seaweed.

2. Increased Iron Demand

This situation commonly occurs in infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant or lactating women. Infants and young children have high iron requirements during development. If iron-rich complementary foods such as eggs and meat are not timely introduced during weaning, iron deficiency may easily occur, affecting normal growth. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also experience increased iron demands; failure to supplement sufficient iron-rich foods may lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

3. Impaired Absorption

Iron deficiency despite adequate intake may indicate malabsorption. This often occurs after partial gastrectomy, where reduced gastric acid secretion and rapid passage of food into the jejunum bypass the duodenum—the primary site of iron absorption—resulting in decreased iron uptake. Additionally, long-term consumption of strong tea or coffee may also impair iron absorption.

4. Iron Loss

Iron loss commonly results from heavy menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or blood donation. Women are particularly prone to iron-deficiency anemia following menstruation, which may trigger various discomforts.

5. Chronic Blood Loss

Chronic blood loss leads to red blood cell depletion, preventing reutilization of iron and ultimately causing iron deficiency. Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding—due to conditions such as hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal polyps, or esophageal and gastric varices—can all contribute to iron deficiency.

Iron is an essential trace element in the human body and a crucial component for blood formation. When iron deficiency occurs, dietary adjustments should be made, underlying gastrointestinal diseases actively treated, and iron absorption improved. Iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate oral solution or protein succinic acid iron oral solution may be taken under medical guidance to correct iron deficiency. In cases of intolerance to oral iron, intravenous iron supplementation may be required.