Iron deficiency is quite common and often unnoticed. Anemia is a condition wherein the red blood cells are not very efficient in carrying the oxygen to the other cells. Why iron plays a pivotal role? Because iron is essential for the synthesis of the hemoglobin – the oxygen carrying pigment. Iron deficiency is caused due to two reasons: either the intake of iron is insufficient or there is overwhelming loss of iron from your body. 

Diet lacks adequate iron, enriching your diet with eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts and more. Moreover the physiological demand of iron is high during the infancy, childhood and puberty. When there is blood loss, a part of your iron store is also lost. Usually people with chronic bleeding sites, especially peptic ulcers, carcinomas or heavy menstrual bleeding among the adolescents.

Even if have good amounts of iron supplements and not having significant losses, but still suffering deficiency, then it is due inefficient absorption by the small intestines. This may be due to inflammations, infections, carcinomas or resections of the intestines. It may also because of the food combinations, too much of phosphates or phytates found in plant based food, and render iron unabsorbable.

Certain physiological conditions like pregnancy and adolescence require abundant amounts of iron.The presentation of Iron deficiency is extreme fatigue, weakness, brittle nails, pale appearance, inflammation or soreness of tongue, dizziness or lightheadedness, poor appetite and unusual cravings for non-nutritive substance called Pica. Pica is telltale sign of iron deficiency in children.

-Koya Satyasri