What diseases can iron deficiency cause?

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Phan Dinh Thuy Tien - General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Iron is a factor involved in the process of hematopoiesis, a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Iron deficiency not only leads to anemia but also causes many other problems in human health.

According to recent studies by the National Institute of Nutrition, our country has about 29% of children under 5 years of age suffering from nutritional anemia, 29% of women of childbearing age, and up to 58% of children aged 13- 24 months old anemia. Anemia is just the final stage of a prolonged iron deficiency. In fact, the number of iron-deficient people who have not yet developed anemia is much higher.
Causes of iron deficiency include:
A lack of nutrients is the main cause of iron deficiency. Iron is also a component that is difficult to absorb in the body. In recent years, scientists have said that obese people can also have iron deficiency due to the patient's diet when implementing a weight loss diet. Blood loss: Patients will lose iron when they lose blood, iron deficiency anemia will become more and more serious, iron stores are not enough to compensate. In women, prolonged menstrual periods, heavy blood loss, fibroids, uterine bleeding are the causes of a certain amount of iron loss. Internal bleeding is also the cause of iron deficiency, this is a type of blood loss that is difficult to detect and progresses slowly. There are many causes of internal bleeding, such as: bleeding from ulcers, colon cancer, regular use of pain relievers, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, urinary tract bleeding. Blood loss due to surgery or serious injury. Low iron absorption: There are many cases where patients have difficulty absorbing iron even though they still get enough iron from food into the body. The reason is because the patient may have diseases related to the intestinal tract.

Iron deficiency is the cause of many dangerous diseases for children, women and the elderly, especially diseases related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Specific health problems related to iron deficiency include:
2.1. This is the most common and obvious sign of iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin is a component rich in iron, responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues, a lack of hemoglobin ie the amount of iron is not absorbed enough means that oxygen transport to the tissues is reduced, leading to fatigue. , dizziness, vertigo ... and its consequences are impaired function of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system.
2.2 Hair loss, nail detachment Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia, which makes the patient's skin wrinkled, fingernails thin, and hair easy to fall out. According to scientists, iron contains a mineral that accounts for a large amount in the blood. The production of hemoglobin and myoglobin is the most important function of iron, in iron deficiency blood, the hair roots will also be affected. Hair roots will be weak and easily damaged due to lack of nutrients leading to hair loss.

The best way to balance blood iron levels is to improve your diet, foods that are rich in iron and contain ingredients that increase iron absorption.
2.3 Reduced memory and intelligence Many scientists have proven that iron deficiency for a long time leads to a decline in memory, thinking ability and intelligence in humans. Pregnant women and children are the two most vulnerable groups when they are not provided with adequate nutrition. In addition, iron deficiency often occurs in women during menstruation.
2.4 Impaired Immune System and Fertility This is a fairly common situation, occurring in less developed countries. Children in these countries have relatively high rates of malnutrition, which is the main cause of anemia. Iron deficiency leads to a weakened immune system.
To explain this phenomenon, doctors have explained that: iron deficiency reduces the production of white blood cells - T cells - Lymphocytes. This cell has a role in fighting the attack of bacteria. A weakened immune system is evidently possible when the body's defenses are reduced.

According to research results around the world, it has been shown that people with anemia will have a higher rate of infertility than normal. Women who are anemic during pregnancy have a very high rate of miscarriage.
2.5 The body's activities are stagnant All the activities of the body cannot take place normally without nutrition. Long-term iron deficiency will lead to dysfunctional functions in the body. The body's processes are also greatly restricted.

Supplementing with iron by diversifying meals: this is the most sustainable solution to improve people's iron deficiency. Supplement iron with iron tablets. In addition, it is necessary to prevent parasitic infections, malaria and to clean the environment. Need to fortify iron in food: this is a highly effective and safe strategic solution. Iron will be fortified into foods such as biscuits, nutritional cakes, fish sauce, nutritional powders, etc. So in addition to anemia, iron deficiency can also cause many other diseases such as Heart palpitations cause stress, fatigue, hair loss, nail detachment, memory loss, intelligence, immune system impairment, can even cause impaired fertility and miscarriage. Therefore, each person needs to raise awareness to prevent iron deficiency.
As can be seen, iron deficiency causes many health problems, so you need to pay attention to your nutrition and daily activities to ensure the best health.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a general health check package for all age groups with comprehensive examination services. Vinmec is also one of the very few hospitals that has a full range of doctors specializing in nutrition, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, psychology.... helping to advise on the best baby's diet and treatment. quickly and promptly treat diseases detected during medical examination.