Iron is an essential mineral that your body needs to produce hemoglobin—a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When your body lacks enough iron, it can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia. This is the most common type of anemia worldwide, affecting people of all ages, but especially women, children, and those with poor diets or chronic health conditions.
Heamclas-FCM Injection works by replenishing iron stores in the body. It consists of a complex of ferric hydroxide and a carbohydrate polymer, carboxymaltose, which helps stabilize the iron and allows it to be administered intravenously. Once in the bloodstream, iron from the ferric carboxymaltose complex is taken up by transferrin, the body’s natural iron transport protein, and delivered to cells, where it is utilized for the production of hemoglobin and other iron-containing proteins.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes iron deficiency anemia, how to recognize it, and the steps you can take to treat and prevent it.
What Causes Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your iron levels are too low to support normal red blood cell production. There are several reasons this can happen:
1. Inadequate Iron Intake
Not eating enough iron-rich foods—especially over time—can deplete your body’s iron stores. This is common in people with poor or restrictive diets, including some vegetarians or vegans who don’t supplement properly.
2. Blood Loss
Losing blood means losing iron. Women with heavy menstrual periods are at higher risk. Internal bleeding due to ulcers, colon polyps, or gastrointestinal cancers can also lead to chronic blood loss and anemia.
3. Poor Iron Absorption
Some medical conditions (like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease) affect the intestines’ ability to absorb iron. Certain medications and surgeries involving the digestive tract can also interfere with iron absorption.
4. Increased Need for Iron
Children and pregnant women need more iron for growth and development. Without adequate intake during these stages, deficiency is more likely to occur.
Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
In the early stages, you might not notice any symptoms. As the deficiency worsens, symptoms become more noticeable and can affect your daily life:
Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin or pallor
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Cold hands and feet
Brittle nails
Headaches
Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
Restless legs or cravings for non-food substances (like ice or dirt), known as pica
These symptoms occur because your body isn’t getting enough oxygen to your tissues and organs.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anemia, your doctor may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) test. This measures the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in your blood. If your hemoglobin is low, further tests can confirm iron deficiency and rule out other causes of anemia.
Treatment Options
Treating iron deficiency anemia focuses on replenishing iron levels and addressing the underlying cause.
1. Iron Supplements
Most people are treated with oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate. These are usually taken for several months until iron levels normalize. Some people may need intravenous (IV) iron if they can’t absorb it through the gut or if levels are critically low.
2. Dietary Changes
Incorporate more iron-rich foods into your meals:
Red meat, liver, poultry, and fish (heme iron, easily absorbed)
Leafy greens like spinach and kale
Beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
Eating these foods alongside vitamin C-rich items (like oranges, tomatoes, or bell peppers) helps boost iron absorption.
3. Treating the Cause
If your anemia is due to blood loss, your doctor will need to identify and treat the source—whether it’s heavy menstruation, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Can Iron Deficiency Be Prevented?
Yes! In many cases, it can be prevented with:
A balanced diet rich in iron
Iron supplements during pregnancy if recommended
Managing chronic conditions that affect iron levels
Regular check-ups if you’re at risk
Final Thoughts
Iron deficiency anemia is common but highly treatable. If you’re feeling tired, pale, or weak, don’t ignore the signs—especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help you regain energy, improve your health, and prevent complications down the line.
If you suspect anemia, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options. A few small changes can make a big difference in how you feel.
