How can an iron deficiency in the body be determined?
June 11, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear Doctor,
My name is Piotr Kock and I have been struggling with various symptoms for some time that could indicate a possible iron deficiency in my body. I constantly feel tired and exhausted, even after adequate sleep. Additionally, I suffer from headaches, dizziness, and a general weakness. My skin is pale and my nails are brittle. I have also been experiencing increased problems with my digestion, particularly constipation.
I am concerned that these symptoms may be due to an iron deficiency and would like to know how such a deficiency can be diagnosed in the body. Are there specific blood tests that can be performed? What other diagnostic methods are available to identify a potential iron deficiency?
I am also interested in possible causes of iron deficiency. Can an unbalanced diet, a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or a chronic condition such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease lead to an iron deficiency? Are there specific risk groups that are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could assist me and provide me with possible treatment options if an iron deficiency is indeed identified. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Piotr Kock
Dear Piotr Kock,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms and your concern regarding a possible iron deficiency. It is important to take these signs seriously and to make an appropriate diagnosis.
First of all, I want to tell you that iron deficiency is actually one of the most common deficiencies in the body. The symptoms you described such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, weakness, paler skin, brittle nails, and digestive problems can all indicate an iron deficiency.
There are various methods to diagnose an iron deficiency in the body. The simplest and most common way is to conduct a blood test to measure the concentration of a protein called ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. A low ferritin level indicates an iron deficiency. Additionally, the hemoglobin level in the blood can also be measured, as iron is needed for the formation of hemoglobin, the red blood pigment.
There are other diagnostic methods to detect an iron deficiency, such as determining transferrin saturation or measuring total iron in the blood.
As for the causes of an iron deficiency, an unbalanced diet, especially a lack of iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, legumes, and green leafy vegetables, can lead to an iron deficiency. A vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can also increase the risk, as plant-based iron (iron from non-animal sources) is not absorbed as well by the body as animal iron.
Chronic conditions such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or menstrual problems in women can also lead to an increased need for iron and contribute to a deficiency. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, growing children, athletes, and individuals with significant blood loss (e.g. from ulcers or hemorrhoids) are also at risk for an iron deficiency.
If an iron deficiency is indeed diagnosed in you, there are various treatment options. In most cases, iron is prescribed in the form of tablets or drops to correct the deficiency. Adjusting your diet to include more iron-rich foods can also help. In severe cases, intravenous iron therapy may be necessary.
I strongly recommend that you see a doctor and undergo testing to clarify your iron status and, if necessary, begin treatment. Please do not hesitate to seek professional medical help.
I hope this information helps you and wish you all the best for your health.
Best regards,
Marcus Schneider, Specialist in Internal Medicine
