Signs and Symptoms 3 4 5

SIGNS YOU CAN SEE:

Paleness

Brittle or spoon-shaped nails

Cracks & ulcers in mouth

Hair loss

SYMPTOMS YOU CAN FEEL:

Tiredness / Fatigue

Weakness

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Coldness in hands & feet

Headaches

REFERENCES:

3 Mayo Clinic - Iron Deficiency Anemia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034?p=1
4 Alton, Irene. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Guidelines for Adolescent Nutrition Services (2005) 101. http://www.epi.umn.edu/let/pubs/adol_book.shtm
5 Iron deficiency - investigation and management. British Columbia Medical Association & Ministry of Health Services. Guidelines & Protocols Advisory Committee June 2010.

Causes & Risk Factors

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can occur at all stages of life, being most prevalent among at-risk groups due to physiological, nutritional or social factors.

CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY17

Increased demand for iron

Rapid growth in infancy or adolescence
Pregnancy
Erythropoietin therapy

Increased iron loss

Chronic blood loss
Menses
Acute blood loss
Frequent blood donation

Decreased Iron intake or absorption

Inadequate diet
Malabsorption from disease (sprue, Crohn's disease)
Malabsorption from surgery (post-gastrectomy)
Acute or chronic inflammation

REFERENCES:

6 James S. ed. Iron Deficiency and Other Hypoproliferative Anemias. New York. McGraw-Hill; 2012: 1953-1970