Iron deficiency anaemia - causes, symptoms & treatment

A low haemoglobin level is often a sign of iron deficiency, which leads to iron deficiency anaemia.

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A low haemoglobin level is often a sign of iron deficiency, which leads to iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common form of anaemia and is caused by a lack of iron, which is essential for the formation of haemoglobin, the oxygen-transporting protein in red blood cells. If the body does not have enough iron available, it cannot produce enough red blood cells, which leads to an insufficient supply of oxygen to organs and tissues. An iron deficiency develops gradually and manifests itself through symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and concentration problems, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, hair loss, brittle nails, palpitations and shortness of breath, headaches and dizziness.

Iron deficiency anaemia is caused on the one hand by an increased iron requirement, which occurs particularly in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, growing children and athletes. On the other hand, insufficient iron intake due to a diet low in iron, especially a vegetarian or vegan diet, can lead to a deficiency. Chronic blood loss such as heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g. due to stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases) or regular blood donations can lower iron levels. Absorption disorders in the intestine caused by diseases such as coeliac disease or Crohn's disease can also impair iron absorption.

Iron deficiency anaemia is usually treated with an iron-rich diet and, if necessary, iron supplements. Good sources of iron are meat, fish, pulses, spinach and nuts. Vegetable iron can be better absorbed if it is combined with vitamin C, for example by eating citrus fruits. A promising alternative to classic iron supplements is lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein that occurs naturally in milk. It can optimise iron absorption in the intestine without causing the typical side effects of conventional iron supplements such as gastrointestinal complaints or constipation. Lactoferrin also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can strengthen the immune system.