If you have iron deficiency anemia, you may feel tired or look pale. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia - a condition in which blood is low on healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues. Oxygenated blood gives your body energy and your skin a healthy color.

As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Your body needs the mineral iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen. return

Iron deficiency anemia is common, especially in women. One in five women and half of all pregnant women are iron deficient. The cause of iron deficiency anemia can be a lack of iron in your diet, inadequate absorption of iron, or some form of blood loss, such as from menstruation or slow, internal bleeding. Iron deficiency anemia can also occur with pregnancy. It can develop at any age. Although iron deficiency is a common form of anemia, there are many other types, so if you suspect you have anemia, see your doctor.

You can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation. Sometimes, surgery also is necessary if you're bleeding internally.

Definition   

• Anemia
• Anemia, aplastic
• Anemia, general
• Anemia, iron deficiency
• Anemia, sickle cell
• Anemia, vitamin deficiency