What causes Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron Deficiency Anemia occurs when iron loss or demand exceeds the body’s intake or absorption. Common causes include:
- Chronic blood loss – from heavy menstrual periods, ulcers, hemorrhoids, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Inadequate dietary intake – diets low in iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, and leafy greens.
- Poor absorption – due to gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or gastric surgery.
- Increased need for iron – during pregnancy, infancy, or adolescence when growth or development increases demand.
- Medications – such as certain antacids or proton pump inhibitors that reduce iron absorption.
What are the risk factors?
You may be more likely to develop Iron Deficiency Anemia if you:
- Are a woman with heavy menstrual periods
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
- Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet without iron supplementation
- Have a condition that affects iron absorption (like celiac disease)
- Donate blood frequently
- Have undergone gastric bypass surgery
