Beyond "Feeling Tired":  Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia

By Dr Chiba – Family Medical Practice

Do you constantly feel tired even after a whole night’s sleep? Do you get breathless after minimal effort, or do you even want to bite an ice cube without a reason? These overlooked signs may indicate iron deficiency anemia.

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the most common type of anemia globally, results from an insufficient amount of iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Iron is essential for hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Without sufficient iron, hemoglobin levels drop, oxygen transport is impaired, and symptoms appear. The condition often develops gradually, beginning with "latent iron deficiency" - low iron stores before hemoglobin drops. Many people with chronic fatigue don’t realize they could benefit from iron supplementation even before full anemia develops.

Do you recognize these symptoms?

Symptoms often begin mildly and worsen over time:

• Persistent fatigue and low energy, even with rest
• Frequent headaches and dizziness
• Pica: craving non-food items like ice or dirt
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Pale skin
• Other signs: sore tongue, brittle nails, hair loss, itchy skin, mouth ulcers, and cold intolerance

Who is at risk of iron deficiency anemia?

While anyone can develop IDA, certain groups are at higher risk due to blood loss, low iron intake, or poor absorption:

• Women of reproductive age: Heavy menstruation, often due to fibroids or polyps, is a major cause. A 2009 Vietnamese study reported a 5.4% prevalence in this group.
• Pregnant and postpartum women: Iron needs surge during pregnancy, requiring about 1,200 mg.
• Those with gastrointestinal conditions or surgeries: Ulcers, IBD, celiac disease, and bariatric surgery can cause blood loss or poor absorption.
• Vegetarians and vegans: Diets low in bioavailable iron raise risk.
• Older adults: Often affected due to chronic conditions or reduced absorption.

Why you shouldn’t ignore it

If untreated, IDA can cause serious complications. In pregnancy, it increases risks of poor outcomes for mother and baby. In older adults, it may impair cognition and daily functioning. Severe cases can lead to heart enlargement or failure. A sudden onset in adults may indicate gastrointestinal cancer - prompt evaluation is critical.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

How iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed

If you suspect IDA, consult your doctor. Diagnosis involves blood tests like a complete blood count and serum ferritin, which is a key indicator of your body’s iron stores and can reveal a deficiency even before anemia develops.

Treatment for iron deficiency anemia

Treatment starts with addressing the underlying cause. Oral iron supplements are typically first-line, continued for months to restore iron. Side effects like nausea or constipation are common but can be managed with dosage changes or alternate formulations.

Prevention through diet

Diet helps too. Eat more iron-rich foods (meat, beans, leafy greens, fortified cereals). Vitamin C enhances absorption, while tea, coffee, and dairy products inhibit it. While a diet alone rarely reverses a deficiency, it helps maintain iron levels after treatment.

Your Health Matters

Don’t ignore persistent fatigue or other signs. Early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia can greatly improve your quality of life and prevent complications. - Family Medical Practice

Dr Chiba Hiroshi is a Japanese Family Doctor with 20 years of experience working in Japan and Cambodia, specializing in primary care, travel medicine, and urgent care. He graduated from Tohoku University school of medicine in 1998 and received his PhD in Geriatrics in 2004. He provides consultation on a wide range of health problems for all age groups. Other areas of specialties and interests include infectious disease, infection control, and medical education.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services.

Visit FMP Hanoi 24/7 at 298I Kim Mã Street, Ngọc Hà Ward, Hà Nội.

To book an appointment, please call (024).3843.0784, or contact via WhatsApp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.