Welcome to your resource
about the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and how to get started on the road to treatment. IDA symptoms can be vague and confusing, so if you’re feeling like less than yourself lately, it may be time to get your iron level up.
It’s not just in your head.
Headaches, fatigue, and weakness are just a few of the common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Take the Iron Check-Up and bring it to your next doctor’s appointment.
Not sure where to start?
It can be difficult to start a conversation about your symptoms. So start with our discussion guide—download it and take it to your next doctor’s appointment.
Anemia is the name for the condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or enough of a protein found in your blood called hemoglobin. This can be because your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells, loses too many red blood cells, or your body breaks down red blood cells faster than it is replacing them.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a type of anemia. IDA happens when your body does not have enough iron stored or available for making healthy red blood cells.
The good news is that once it’s diagnosed, IDA can be treated.
Who is at risk of IDA?
Vegans and vegetarians, since meat and fish are iron-rich foods
Individuals who donate blood
Athletes, particularly females and endurance athletes
People living with certain inherited blood diseases
Young females and women, who tend to need more iron than boys and men
Menstruating women, as heavy periods increase the risk of IDA
Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, since iron needs are increased during these times
Children who have lead in their blood from lead-contaminated water
Premature babies and babies aged 6 to 12 months, because they haven’t built up iron stores in their body yet
Adolescents, who need iron during growth spurts
Older adults, especially those over age 65
Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women,
since iron needs are increased during these times
Iron has a lot of important jobs in your body, such as:
- helping your heart work properly;
- helping your muscles store oxygen;
- helping your liver break down medications.
What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?
The symptoms of anemia that can occur with IDA may be serious enough to interfere with your life. These symptoms can include:
Swollen and painful tongue
Dizziness
Pale skin or pale eyelining
Exhaustion and fatigue
Fast or racing heartbeat
Shortness of breath and chest pain
Spoon nails
Weakness
Feeling low?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be IDA. Take the Iron Check-Up and bring it to your next doctor’s appointment.
Iron deficiency and pregnancy
Pregnancy places a high demand for iron on a woman’s body.
Estimates suggest it takes 1000 mg of iron during pregnancy to support the growth of the fetus. That’s the equivalent of all the iron in 177 large steaks.
In an international study:
Sufficient iron levels in the mother can help support the well-being of the unborn child.
Adequate iron levels can help support normal brain development in the fetus
Iron supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to increase birth weight and reduce the risk of low-birth-weight babies
Sufficient iron levels in the mother can help support the well-being of the unborn child.
Adequate iron levels can help support normal brain development in the fetus
Iron supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to increase birth weight and reduce the risk of low-birth-weight babies
Low iron levels or IDA in the mother can affect the growing baby.
- Autism
- Schizophrenia
- Other issues that may impact mood/mental health, motor skills, or memory
Where oral supplements cannot be tolerated or fail to boost iron levels sufficiently, IV iron supplementation may be considered.
Anemia is not the first sign of ID
IDA develops slowly over time as iron gets used up by your body.
Anemia is not usually the first sign of iron deficiency.
People who are living with untreated IDA may be experiencing:
- Migraines (particularly women)
- Heart conditions
- Restless legs syndrome
- Pica, a condition that makes you want to eat non-food items (such as dirt or ice)
- Pregnancy complications
- Higher-than-normal risk of infection
- Depression
Can’t put your finger on it?
Low iron can make you feel like less than yourself. Download the Iron Check-Up and take it to your next doctor’s appointment.
How does my doctor test for IDA?
Having these symptoms, or even having anemia, does not mean that you have IDA—anemia can exist without IDA. To know for sure that you have IDA, you will need to have your blood tested.
There are a few different tests that are usually done to confirm if you have IDA. Some of the tests that your doctor might order are listed below—but your doctor may order other tests as well, to rule out other conditions. If your doctor orders a test and you’re not sure what it’s for, it’s okay to ask!
Shows how much of the transferrin in your blood is carrying iron
Managing IDA
If you’re diagnosed with IDA, the good news is that it can be treated. How you and your doctor decide to manage your IDA will depend on what is causing your IDA as well as the severity of your IDA.
Treatment options
There are many effective options available for the treatment of IDA. In addition to adding more iron into your diet, treatment of IDA can include:
Oral iron
Oral capsules, tablets, or liquid taken once a day.
It generally takes 3 to 6 months to build your iron back up using oral iron
Intravenous (IV) iron
IV iron can replenish your iron level in one or a few infusions
IV iron may be more appropriate for people who have iron deficiency, who are unable to absorb oral iron properly, or have bad side effects from oral iron
Red blood cell transfusion
Blood transfusions can quickly increase the amount of red blood cells and iron in your blood
Blood transfusions may be used for people with severe iron deficiency or who have serious complications from IDA (for example, chest pain)
These treatments may not be right for you and may cause adverse events. Talk to your healthcare professional.
There’s a wide variety of foods that can help increase your iron. Below are some examples:
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes (beans, lentils, etc.)
- Fish and shellfish
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Lean red meat
- Whole grains
Unsure about how to start the IDA conversation?
Download the discussion guide and take it to your next doctor’s appointment.