What are the 3 Stages of Iron Deficiency?

What Are the 3 Stages of Iron Deficiency?

Understanding the three stages of iron deficiency is crucial to addressing the problem effectively.

1. Iron Depletion

In the first stage, iron stores in your body (ferritin levels) start depleting. This means the supply of iron (which is required to produce new haemoglobin and red blood cells) is diminishing. At this stage, haemoglobin levels are still normal, and there are typically no obvious symptoms.

However, your body's iron reserves are low, and without intervention, iron deficiency will progress to the next stage.

2. Iron-Deficient Erythropoiesis65

The second stage is known as iron-deficient erythropoiesis, or latent iron deficiency. At this point, iron stores are significantly low, and the production of red blood cells is affected. Although your bone marrow is still producing red blood cells, they now lack sufficient haemoglobin.

This stage may present mild symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, but these symptoms are often not severe enough to raise immediate concern.

3. Iron Deficiency Anaemia

The third and most severe stage of iron deficiency is iron deficiency anaemia. In this stage, haemoglobin levels drop below the normal range, and the blood cannot deliver adequate oxygen to the body's cells and organs.

If you have iron deficiency-induced anaemia, your symptoms will become more pronounced. You may experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and cognitive issues.

Iron-deficiency anaemia requires prompt medical attention to prevent further health complications.

What is the Difference Between Iron Deficiency and Anaemia?

Iron deficiency occurs when the iron stores in your body are lower than what is required for optimal health. This condition can lead to anaemia, which is characterised by more symptoms and an insufficient amount of iron to produce healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. It's important to note that you can experience iron deficiency without developing anaemia; in such cases, your haemoglobin levels remain normal even though your iron levels are low.

Recognising the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency and Anaemia

Now that we know the stages of iron deficiency, it's crucial to recognise the symptoms.

Iron deficiency symptoms can be subtle and vary from person to person.

However, common signs include fatigue, pale skin, weakness, dizziness, and brittle nails.

Causes of Iron Deficiency

Understanding the causes of iron deficiency can help in its prevention and management.

There are three primary causes:

1. Inadequate Iron Intake

Not consuming enough iron-rich foods is a common cause of iron deficiency. Certain groups of people have higher iron needs (and therefore higher prevalence of iron deficiency), including:

• Children and teenagers, especially females
• Menstruating women
• Vegetarians and vegans
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women

2. Poor Absorption of Iron

Some health conditions can affect the body's ability to absorb iron from food, such as:

• Coeliac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Chronic diarrhoea

3. Blood Loss

Losing blood is a significant cause of iron deficiency. Common sources of blood loss include:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding (ulcers, polyps, colon cancer)
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Frequent blood donations
• Injuries or surgeries

Foods and Medication for Iron Deficiency

If you're prone to iron deficiency and regularly experience dizziness and weakness, you've likely asked yourself, "How can I raise my iron levels quickly?"

Fortunately, there are certain foods and medications that can help increase your iron levels and, in turn, reduce the symptoms of iron deficiency.

Foods like lean meats, fortified cereals, and dark green leafy greens may help increase your dietary iron levels. This infographic is a helpful guide to understanding your daily iron needs and offers ideas to help you meet those goals.

Some supplements, namely Vitamin C, may increase the absorption of iron in the body. They can be taken alongside iron-rich foods or iron supplements to enhance the body's uptake of iron. Keep in mind that iron supplements will need to be taken regularly for at least a few months for full effect.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend iron deficiency medication to help replenish your iron stores quickly. It's important to take supplements and medication under professional supervision to avoid potential side effects and ensure the correct dosage.

For more severe iron deficiency anaemia, intravenous iron therapy (otherwise known as iron infusion) may be required. This method delivers iron directly into the bloodstream, providing a rapid increase in iron levels.

What Happens if Your Iron Levels Are Too Low?

Chronic iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. If left untreated, this condition can cause serious health issues, including heart problems and complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.

If you're experiencing any symptoms of iron deficiency, it's crucial to check in with your healthcare provider. They will be able to check your iron levels and help you increase your iron stores.

Tackling the 3 Stages of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common but preventable condition. Recognising the 3 stages of iron deficiency-iron depletion, iron-deficient erythropoiesis, and iron-deficiency anaemia-can help you take timely action to prevent this condition. By incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet, enhancing iron absorption, and using supplements when necessary, you can maintain healthy iron levels and prevent iron deficiency.

Your health is worth the investment, so if you suspect you may be iron deficient, consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency.

At Melrose, we are committed to supporting your health naturally where possible. Explore our range of natural health products to find the perfect fit for your dietary needs and enhance your overall well-being.