Can Weight Loss Cause Iron Deficiency

by Al Paterson

Introduction

Iron deficiency without anemia can occur when a person has normal hemoglobin but lower than normal serum ferritin and/or transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency with anemia can occur when a person has low serum ferritin and hemoglobin values.

Can diet cause iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency anemia, associated with low iron intake, has been observed in women following a restricted diet, for example vegetarians or anorexics.

What causes iron levels to drop?

There are many things that can lead to a lack of iron in the body. In men and postmenopausal women, the most common cause is bleeding from the stomach and intestines. This can be caused by a stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, bowel cancer, or taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Why am I suddenly iron deficient?

Common causes of iron deficiency include lack of iron in the diet, chronic blood loss, pregnancy, and vigorous exercise. Some people suffer from iron deficiency if they cannot absorb it. Iron deficiency can be treated by adding iron-rich foods to the diet.

Does losing weight increase iron?

Significant weight loss in overweight and obese people decreases chronic inflammation and serum hepcidin levels, leading to better iron status due to increased iron absorption.

What are the 3 main causes of anemia?

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction.

How does it feel to have little iron?

Extreme fatigue and exhaustion Fatigue is one of the most common signs of iron deficiency because it means your body is struggling to deliver oxygen to your cells, which affects your energy levels, says Thayer. . People who lack iron in their blood often feel sluggish, weak and unable to concentrate.

How fast do iron levels change?

In general, patients with iron deficiency anemia should show an iron response with reticulocytosis in three to seven days, followed by an increase in hemoglobin in 2 to 4 weeks.

What is the difference between iron deficiency and anemia?

Iron deficiency (ID) is defined as a decrease in the total iron content of the body. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when ID is severe enough to reduce erythropoiesis.

What prevents the absorption of iron?

Iron absorption inhibitors include phytate, which is a compound found in plant-based diets that demonstrates a dose-dependent effect on iron absorption. Polyphenols are found in black and herbal tea, coffee, wine, legumes, grains, fruits and vegetables and have been shown to inhibit iron absorption.

Conclusion

Sustained stress is another cause of anemia. Excessive stress makes it difficult for your body to manufacture hydrochloric acid, which is very important for the integration of iron and protein. An iron deficiency is equivalent to a lack of hemoglobin and therefore to anemia.

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