Knowra Iron deficiency Iron deficiency Iron deficiency occurs when the body’s iron stores are too low to meet its needs. It can impair hemoglobin production and, when advanced, cause iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron metabolism : The processes by which the body absorbs, transports, stores, uses, and recycles iron. Iron deficiency develops when absorption, losses, or demand disrupt the body’s iron balance.
Complete blood count : A blood test that measures red cells, white cells, platelets, and related indices. Red-cell indices help detect anemia and suggest iron-restricted blood formation.
Iron absorption : The uptake of dietary iron from the intestine into the body. Poor absorption can prevent adequate replacement of iron lost or used.
Anemia of inflammation : Anemia associated with chronic infection, inflammatory disease, or cancer, often involving restricted iron availability. It can resemble iron deficiency, but iron stores are often present and ferritin may be elevated.
Fatigue : A persistent sense of physical or mental exhaustion that is not relieved fully by rest. Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity and tissue iron can contribute to fatigue.
Hepcidin : A liver-produced hormone that regulates iron entry into blood by controlling the iron exporter ferroportin. Inflammation-driven hepcidin can restrict iron absorption and release, creating iron-restricted availability.
Serum ferritin : A blood measurement of ferritin used to estimate the body’s stored iron. It is a key test for confirming depleted iron stores, though inflammation can raise it.
Celiac disease : An autoimmune disorder in which gluten exposure damages the small intestine. Intestinal damage can impair iron absorption and cause deficiency.
Thalassemia : An inherited group of disorders that reduce production of one or more hemoglobin chains. It can cause small red cells like iron-deficiency anemia without depleted iron stores.
Restless legs syndrome : A neurological disorder marked by an urge to move the legs, often with uncomfortable sensations at rest. Low iron availability is associated with restless legs and may influence its treatment.
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