Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Talk to your doctor if you experience weakness, fatigue or breathlessness.

Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick

Of all the nutrients our bodies need, iron impacts every organ system and limb—including every breath we take. Iron transports oxygen throughout the body, and iron-deficiency anemia can have a serious effect on our health.

Sara Kanamori, DO, a Torrance Memorial Physician Network physician specializing in internal medicine and primary care, explains that while there are many causes of iron deficiency, its cures—a well-rounded diet and supplements—are easy to come by.

What is the function of iron in the body?

Iron produces hemoglobin, which is responsible for delivering oxygen to your organs. It also produces myoglobin, which delivers oxygen to your muscles and makes hormones in the body.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency can be asymptomatic or can cause generalized weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of energy and pale skin. You can develop brittle nails or hair loss, and some individuals crave ice. If severe, it may cause shortness of breath with regular daily activity.

What causes iron deficiency in seniors?

Not consuming enough iron in your diet (for example, being vegetarian) or having chronic medical conditions are common causes of anemia in seniors. We don’t produce iron on our own. We must consume it in the food we eat. Chronic blood loss can also cause iron deficiency—for example, blood loss from your GI tract due to gastritis, ulcers or hemorrhoids. Additionally, genetic conditions, recent surgery, kidney disease, heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, obesity and inflammatory disease can all affect iron levels and cause anemia.

What are the short-term and long-term health risks of iron-deficiency anemia?

In the short term, individuals will experience fatigue, irritability and headaches. If the condition goes on long term, it can sometimes cause dementia and heart problems.

What foods provide the most iron?

We know there is iron in beef, pork, lamb and organ meats such as liver. There’s also iron in poultry, especially dark meat, as well as shellfish, sardines and anchovies. Leafy green vegetables, broccoli, kale, turnip greens and collards, as well as legumes—including lima beans, peas, pinto beans and black-eyed peas—are great for iron levels. Iron-enriched pasta, grain, rice and cereal are also good sources of iron.

What should I do if I am diagnosed as anemic?

If you are diagnosed with anemia, talk to your primary care physician to find out if it is due to iron deficiency or other reasons. They may send you out for blood work specifically for anemia to help pinpoint the exact cause. Your doctor will tell you if you will benefit from iron supplements alone or may recommend further tests such as a colonoscopy/EGD [a type of endoscopy] to rule out other causes of anemia.

When do you recommend iron supplements?

Most of the time, you do not need to check iron levels until you are diagnosed with anemia. Your doctor will confirm if you are iron deficient with a special blood test that checks the iron supply in the blood. They will also check why you may be deficient in iron (for example, if you have any blood loss anywhere in the body you are not aware of). Once confirmed, your doctor will tell you the dosage of iron supplements you should be taking. This is usually an oral daily supplement. 

Sara Kanamori, DO, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network, and is located at 3400 Lomita Blvd., Suite 104, Torrance. She can be reached at 310-784-4000.