Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia happens when your body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to every tissue in your body. Without adequate iron, your body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells to meet your oxygen needs.

This is the most common type of anemia worldwide. It affects roughly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 20 men at some point in their lives. When red blood cell counts drop below normal levels, your organs and muscles receive less oxygen. This leads to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms that can interfere with daily life.

Iron deficiency anemia develops gradually over time. Your body stores iron in your liver, spleen, and bone marrow. When these stores run low, red blood cell production slows down. Early detection through blood testing allows you to address the root cause before symptoms become severe.

• Persistent fatigue and weakness that does not improve with rest
• Pale or yellowish skin, especially noticeable in your face and nail beds
• Shortness of breath during normal activities like walking or climbing stairs
• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
• Cold hands and feet even in warm environments
• Brittle nails that break easily or develop ridges
• Frequent headaches or difficulty concentrating
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual cravings for ice, dirt, or starch
• Soreness or swelling of the tongue

Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of iron deficiency anemia. As the condition progresses and red blood cell counts continue to drop, symptoms become more noticeable. Some people adapt to low iron levels over time and may not realize how tired they feel until treatment begins.

Iron deficiency anemia develops when your body loses more iron than it takes in. Blood loss is the most common cause in adults. Heavy menstrual periods account for iron deficiency in many women of childbearing age. Bleeding in the digestive tract from ulcers, polyps, or certain medications can cause slow, ongoing blood loss that depletes iron stores. Pregnancy increases iron needs significantly because your body requires extra iron to support fetal development and increased blood volume.

Dietary factors also play a major role in iron deficiency. Your body absorbs iron from meat, poultry, and fish more easily than iron from plant sources. Vegetarians and vegans face higher risk if they do not consume enough iron-rich plant foods or pair them with vitamin C to improve absorption. People with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease may struggle to absorb iron even when they eat enough. Frequent blood donation, intense athletic training, and certain genetic conditions can also increase your risk of developing iron deficiency anemia over time.

Doctors diagnose iron deficiency anemia through blood tests that measure your red blood cell count and other key markers. A complete blood count reveals whether your RBC levels have dropped below the normal range. Additional tests measure ferritin, which shows how much iron your body has stored, and serum iron levels to assess current iron availability. Your doctor may also check total iron-binding capacity to understand how well your blood transports iron.

Rite Aid offers testing for iron deficiency anemia through our flagship blood panel. You can get tested at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Our panel measures your red blood cell count and 200 other biomarkers to give you a clear picture of your health. Early detection helps you address low iron before it affects your quality of life.

• Increase dietary iron by eating lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals
• Pair plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers to improve absorption
• Take iron supplements as recommended by your doctor, typically 150 to 200 mg of elemental iron daily
• Avoid taking iron supplements with calcium, coffee, or tea, which can block iron absorption
• Take iron supplements with food if they upset your stomach, though this may slightly reduce absorption
• Address underlying causes of blood loss, such as treating heavy periods or healing digestive tract bleeding
• Retest blood levels after 2 to 3 months to confirm iron stores are rebuilding
• Consider intravenous iron therapy if oral supplements do not work or cause severe side effects
• Work with a registered dietitian to create an iron-rich meal plan that fits your lifestyle
• See a doctor if symptoms persist despite treatment or if you experience severe fatigue or chest pain