What are the causes of iron deficiency anemia?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, iron deficiency anemia may be caused by insufficient iron intake, increased iron demand, excessive iron loss, medication effects, peptic ulcers, or other reasons. In daily life, one should adjust their diet by increasing consumption of iron-rich foods and combining them with foods rich in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. It is advisable to avoid drinking strong tea and coffee, as they may impair iron absorption.
In general, iron deficiency anemia may be caused by insufficient iron intake, increased iron demand, excessive iron loss, medication effects, peptic ulcers, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient Iron Intake
During rapid growth periods in adolescents, the body's demand for iron increases. If dietary iron intake is inadequate to meet this demand, iron deficiency anemia may develop. It is advisable to increase consumption of iron-rich foods such as red meat, animal liver, egg yolks, black fungus (wood ear mushrooms), spinach, and others.
2. Increased Iron Demand
Pregnant women have significantly higher iron requirements due to fetal growth and development, as well as their own physiological changes. Failure to supplement iron promptly can easily lead to iron deficiency anemia. A balanced diet should be maintained to ensure comprehensive nutrition, along with regular prenatal checkups to monitor anemia status.
3. Excessive Iron Loss
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a major cause of excessive iron loss. Prolonged blood loss can gradually deplete the body's iron stores, leading to anemia. Patients may take medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous fumarate granules, or polysaccharide-iron complex capsules under medical guidance.
4. Medication Effects
Certain antibiotics, antitumor drugs, and other medications may interfere with the body's absorption, utilization, or storage of iron, resulting in reduced or imbalanced iron levels and subsequently causing iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may also occur. Patients should consult their doctors about adjusting drug dosages or switching to alternative medications with less impact on iron metabolism.
5. Peptic Ulcer
Helicobacter pylori infection may trigger peptic ulcers, potentially causing gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood loss through the intestines leads to excessive iron depletion, increasing the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, hunger-related pain, and acid reflux. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, amoxicillin capsules, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets for treatment.
In daily life, individuals should adjust their diet by increasing intake of iron-rich foods and combining them with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption. Consumption of strong tea and coffee should be avoided, as they may impair iron absorption.
