What is Iron Deficiency?

Anaemia is a disease in which the red blood cell count or haemoglobin is decreased. Normal haemoglobin levels depend on the age and sex of the person. In men haemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gram/100ml and in women haemoglobin level of less than 12.0 gram/100ml is considered anaemia.

There are different types of anaemia and iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anaemia. As the name implies, iron deficiency anaemia is caused due to insufficient iron levels in the body. Iron helps in the formation of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the substance present in red blood cells which helps to transport oxygen to all the organs and cells in the body and removes harmful gasses (that is carbon dioxide).

Iron deficiency anaemia may cause symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue and shortness of breath. Most people with iron deficiency anaemia need iron supplementation and dietary changes. Depending on the cause of iron deficiency your doctor may recommend other treatment.

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