PULSE YOUR HEALTH

  Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This can make you feel tired, weak, pale and short of breath. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and it can affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk than others. Causes of iron deficiency  anemia Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in your body. Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body make haemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. You can get iron from the food you eat, such as meat, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and fortified cereals. However, sometimes you may not get enough iron from your diet or you may lose iron due to: Heavy menstrual bleeding Pregnancy and breastfeeding Peptic ulcers or other sources of internal bleeding Inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease Parasitic infections such as hookworm Certain medications that reduce stomach acid or interfere with iron abs