What is the Expected Duration of Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anaemia. However, the prognosis is usually good and most people with iron deficiency recover completely with iron supplements and dietary changes. A person diagnosed with anaemia due to iron deficiency would naturally want to know how things such as long will iron deficiency last, whether he needs treatment, and for how long will he need treatment.

The time needed to correct iron deficiency and anaemia will depend on the underlying cause and the treatment given.

• Iron deficiency caused due to inadequate iron intake or in pregnancy respond well to iron therapy. However, it can take months to correct the iron deficiency and restore haemoglobin to normal levels.
• Response of iron deficiency due to some underlying condition such as bleeding ulcer, piles, polyp, cancerous tumour in your intestine, or excessive menstrual bleeding will depend on the treatment of the condition. If the underlying cause is corrected,  iron deficiency may resolve in a few months with proper treatment.
• Iron deficiency due to celiac disease and chronic diarrhoea can be difficult to treat.

Iron Supplements

These supplements can help to correct iron deficiency. Your doctor will usually recommend oral iron supplements. It is important to take iron supplements as recommended by your doctor.  Excess iron intake will not correct iron deficiency earlier and in fact it can be harmful. Parenteral iron therapy (IV or IM) is usually reserved for people who cannot take oral iron supplements or who need immediate treatment for iron-deficiency anaemia as it has some safety concerns. In parenteral iron therapy, iron is administered into a muscle (intramuscular) or an IV line in one of your blood vessels may be placed if your anaemia is severe.

Dietary Changes

Your doctor will recommend a diet rich in iron to correct iron deficiency or protect from further iron deficiency. Some foods which are rich in iron include red meat, and other animal products such as chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and shellfish. Some nonmeat foods that are good sources of iron are:

• Iron fortified breads and cereals.
• Peas, lentils, beans, soybeans and chickpeas.
• Dried fruits such as prunes, raisins, apricots.
• Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables
• Tofu.
• Prune juice.

If you have anaemia, it is advisable to consult a doctor to confirm if it is due to an iron deficiency or some other cause. Your doctor will treat you for iron deficiency based on the cause and severity.

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