Fatigue , pale skin , hair loss – these are symptoms that many women accept as commonplace. But these complaints can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia, which often goes unnoticed. Women of childbearing age are particularly affected, often with significant impacts on their daily lives [1]. In this article, you will learn how to recognize the symptoms, understand the causes, and what solutions are available.
The most important points in brief
Iron deficiency anemia particularly affects women of childbearing age. Symptoms include fatigue, paleness, and hair loss.
Common causes : Heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, or poor iron absorption.
A blood test will reveal whether an iron deficiency is present.
Gentle alternatives such as iron bisglycinate and lactoferrin often work better and are more tolerable than conventional preparations.
Adequate vitamin C intake improves iron absorption.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Anemia develops when the body produces too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. If the body lacks iron, which is needed to produce hemoglobin, it cannot produce new red blood cells.
The result: organs and tissues receive too little oxygen , leading to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weakness, or concentration problems. These symptoms are often not recognized immediately because they are nonspecific [2,3].
Why are women particularly affected?
Women are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency due to various biological factors:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding: Every period means a loss of iron that is not always replenished quickly enough.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the need for iron increases significantly. The body requires more iron to ensure the supply for both mother and baby.
- Breastfeeding: The need for iron remains high even after birth.
These factors can cause iron stores to gradually deplete without being noticed immediately [4,5].
The symptoms: What you should be aware of
Iron deficiency anemia often manifests itself through nonspecific symptoms:
- Tiredness or exhaustion
- Pale skin
- Brittle nails and hair loss
- Concentration problems
- Feeling cold , even at moderate temperatures
- Shortness of breath , even with light exertion
In severe cases, symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or chest pain may occur. These symptoms are sometimes mistakenly attributed to heart or lung disease [3,6].
Did you know?
The brown color of dried blood arises because the iron it contains oxidizes in the air – a process similar to the rusting of metal.
How is iron deficiency anemia diagnosed?
If you suspect you have an iron deficiency, you should see a doctor . A blood test will provide clarity.
The most important values:
- Ferritin: The storage protein for iron. Low levels indicate depleted iron stores.
- Hemoglobin: Shows the amount of the oxygen-transporting protein in the blood.
- Transferrin: This transport protein increases when the body tries to mobilize more iron.
Additionally, a microscopic examination can be helpful: In cases of iron deficiency, red blood cells are often smaller and brighter than normal [6,7].
Do you suffer from iron deficiency and are looking for a gentle solution? FemBe Iron & Lactoferrin - Be3 Iron Formula offers a stomach-friendly combination of highly bioavailable iron bisglycinate, natural vitamin C from rosehips, and bioactive lactoferrin. Perfect for gently and effectively replenishing your iron stores – without the typical side effects of conventional iron supplements.
How can the iron stores be replenished?
Iron-rich foods help to replenish stores [3,6,7]:
- Red meat (e.g. beef)
- Legumes (e.g. lentils, beans)
- Nuts and seeds
- Green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach)
Tip : Combine iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, or berries. This improves iron absorption.
If diet is insufficient, iron supplements can help. These are available in various forms:
- Tablets or capsules
- Juices
- Iron infusions (in severe cases or poor iron absorption in the intestine)
Challenges in treatment
Conventional preparations, such as ferrous sulfate , can cause side effects such as stomach problems , flatulence , or constipation . These symptoms often lead to patients discontinuing the preparation before the deficiency is corrected [8,9].
Modern alternatives:
- Iron bisglycinate: Shows high bioavailability and fewer side effects. Particularly in pregnant women, a significant improvement in hemoglobin concentration has been demonstrated [10].
- Lactoferrin: This iron-binding protein is well tolerated and helps improve iron absorption. It also has anti-inflammatory properties [11].
How can you prevent iron deficiency?
There are several ways to prevent iron deficiency:
- Balanced diet: Women at increased risk should regularly include iron-rich foods in their diet.
- Vitamin C combinations: Vitamin C increases the bioavailability of iron in the body. A glass of orange juice with a meal containing iron can promote absorption [12,13].
- Use supplements in a targeted manner: Products such as iron bisglycinate or lactoferrin are not only suitable for treatment, but also for prevention in cases of high iron requirements, for example during pregnancy [14,15].
Conclusion
Iron deficiency is a common but easily treatable problem that primarily affects women. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventative measures can optimally support your body. If you notice symptoms such as fatigue or hair loss, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. A balanced diet and well-tolerated supplements can help stabilize your iron levels in the long term.
Our expert
Sharleen Omara, MD
doctor
Key areas:
Gynecology | Nutritional Medicine | Public Health
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a form of anemia in which the body does not have enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells. These cells are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency leads to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Who is particularly frequently affected by iron deficiency?
Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with heavy menstrual bleeding or poor iron absorption in the intestines are at higher risk. Vegetarians and vegans can also be affected, as plant-based iron is less readily absorbed by the body.
How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
A simple blood test at a doctor's office can show whether an iron deficiency is present. The values for ferritin (iron stores), hemoglobin, and transferrin are particularly important.
Can iron supplements have side effects?
Conventional iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, or stomach pain. Gentler alternatives such as ferrous bisglycinate or lactoferrin are better tolerated.
How can I improve my iron absorption?
Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods or drinks (e.g., orange juice) significantly improves iron absorption. Coffee or tea should be avoided immediately after meals, as they inhibit iron absorption.
What is the difference between iron bisglycinate and iron(II) sulfate?
Iron bisglycinate is a modern, well-tolerated form of iron that causes fewer side effects. It has high bioavailability, meaning it is absorbed more efficiently by the body. Iron(II) sulfate is an older form that more frequently causes gastrointestinal discomfort.
How can I prevent iron deficiency?
A balanced diet rich in iron-containing foods, combined with vitamin C, helps prevent iron deficiency. Women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding or who are pregnant can also use well-tolerated iron supplements such as lactoferrin.
Which foods are rich in iron?
Foods rich in iron include red meat, offal, legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.
References for further reading:
- Federal Ministry of Health: Anemia https://gesund.bund.de/blutarmut-anaemie (accessed on 06.08.2023)
- DocCheck Flexikon: Anemia https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/An%C3%A4mie (accessed on 06.08.2023)
- German Association of Internists: Iron Deficiency https://www.internisten-im-netz.de/krankheiten/eisenmangel/was-ist-eisenmangel.html (accessed on 06.08.2023)
- Hahn J. Anemias – Overview . In: Hahn J , ed. Checklist Internal Medicine . 9th, completely revised edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2023.
- Matzdorff A , Duckert M , Fritze D. Common forms of anemia . In: Arastéh K , Baenkler H , Bieber C , Brandt R , Chatterjee T , Dill T , Ditting T , Duckert M , Eich W et al., eds. Dual Series Internal Medicine . 4th, revised edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2018.
- Tichelli A , Herrmann R. Iron deficiency anemia . In: Greten H , Rinninger F , Greten T , eds. Internal Medicine . 13th edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2010.
- Hahn J. Iron deficiency anemia . In: Hahn J , ed. Checklist Internal Medicine . 9th, completely revised edition. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2023.
- Nguyen M, Tadi P. Iron supplementation. [Updated 2022 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557376/
- Moe S, Grill AK, Allan GM. Newer iron supplements for anemia. Can Fam Physician. 2019 Aug;65(8):556. PMID: 31413026; PMCID: PMC6693619.
- Fischer JAJ, Cherian AM, Bone JN, Karakochuk CD. The effects of oral ferrous bisglycinate supplementation on hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2023 Jul 10;81(8):904-920. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac106. PMID: 36728680; PMCID: PMC10331582.
- Bumrungpert A, Pavadhgul P, Piromsawasdi T, Mozafari MR. Efficacy and Safety of Ferrous Bisglycinate and Folinic Acid in the Control of Iron Deficiency in Pregnant Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 20;14(3):452. doi: 10.3390/nu14030452. PMID: 35276810; PMCID: PMC8839493.
- Lynch SR, Cook JD. Interaction of vitamin C and iron. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1980;355:32-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1980.tb21325.x. PMID: 6940487.
- Hallberg L, Brune M, Rossander L. The role of vitamin C in iron absorption. Int J Vitam Nutr Res Suppl 1989;30:103-8. PMID: 2507689.
- Zhao X, Zhang Nutrients. 2022 Jan 27;14(3):543. doi: 10.3390/nu14030543. PMID: 35276902; PMCID: PMC8838920.
- Abu Hashim H, Foda O, Ghayaty E. Lactoferrin or ferrous salts for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2017 Dec;219:45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.10.003. Epub 2017 Oct 4. PMID: 29059584.