What Is Iron Deficiency?

Last Updated: 2026-07-06  ·  Category: Internal Medicine  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Editorial Board.

Iron deficiency may occur when the body cannot obtain, store or retain the amount of iron it needs. Iron is an essential mineral for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport to tissues.

Important Information: Iron deficiency may not be related only to nutrition. Blood loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the growth period, chronic diseases and absorption problems should also be evaluated.

What Are Iron and Hemoglobin?

Iron is a mineral of vital importance for our body. Iron is found in the structure of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues. Hemoglobin plays an important role in red blood cells carrying oxygen.

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How Does the Body Lose Iron?

Iron loss from the body may occur through the stomach-intestinal gastrointestinal system, urinary tract or gynecologically.

One of the most common causes of iron loss is blood loss. Rapid growth during the developmental period, pregnancy and breastfeeding, inadequate iron intake and chronic diseases are conditions that cause iron deficiency and iron loss.

Follow-up note: Taking only iron supplements may not be sufficient without identifying the cause of iron loss. In recurrent deficiencies, the underlying cause should especially be investigated.

What Is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency occurs when the body cannot store enough iron and may lead to serious health problems.

What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a serious consequence of iron deficiency. When there is not enough iron in our body, our hemoglobin value decreases. With the decrease in hemoglobin value, anemia develops and oxygen transport to tissues slows down. Iron deficiency anemia refers to the state of anemia.

How Is Iron Deficiency Diagnosed?

During the examination, the patient’s complaints are evaluated. Considering the symptoms experienced, blood tests for “Iron, Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin” are checked.

Serum iron shows the amount of iron in the blood. Serum iron binding capacity shows the proteins that will carry free iron molecules. Ferritin is a value that shows stored iron in the body.

In iron deficiency, serum iron decreases, iron binding capacity increases and the ferritin value, which is stored iron, also decreases.

Test What Does It Show?
Serum iron Helps evaluate the amount of iron in the blood.
Iron binding capacity Provides information about the protein capacity that will carry iron.
Ferritin Provides information about stored iron in the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency, which we frequently encounter in society, is one of today’s important disorders. Weakness and fatigue, dry and pale skin, nails that break easily, dizziness or headache, forgetfulness, hair loss, constant sleepiness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pale hands and feet, irregular heartbeats and constantly feeling cold are among the symptoms of iron deficiency.

Attention:

  • If shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, marked weakness or dizziness is present, medical evaluation should not be delayed.
  • Iron supplements should not be used long-term and uncontrolled without a doctor’s recommendation.

What Happens If Iron Deficiency Is Not Treated?

If iron deficiency is not treated, it may lead to serious health problems. First of all, iron deficiency anemia, which is a serious condition, may develop.

It may cause growth and development problems. It may especially prevent normal growth and development in children. It may cause weakening of the immune system, which leads to reduced resistance against infections.

Which Foods Contain Iron?

Among the causes of iron deficiency and anemia is not consuming foods that contain iron. Foods that contain iron are;

  • Proteins such as eggs, red meat, chicken and fish meat,
  • Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and chard,
  • Dried fruits such as dried apricots, raisins, figs, dates and dried mulberries,
  • Legumes,
  • Hazelnuts, peanuts, sesame, pumpkin seeds, cashews and pistachios,
  • Cabbage, beetroot and potatoes,
  • Fruits such as peaches and pears,
  • Dark chocolate.
Nutrition note: Foods that contain iron may be supportive; however, if there is marked iron deficiency or anemia, diet alone may not be sufficient. The treatment plan should be made according to physician evaluation.

How Is Iron Deficiency Treated?

Treatment is giving iron orally or parenterally (intravenously).

When Should You See an Internal Medicine Specialist?

If you experience symptoms such as weakness, getting tired easily, paleness, dizziness, hair loss, shortness of breath or constantly feeling cold, it is important to receive an evaluation for iron deficiency. Recurrent iron deficiency should also be examined for underlying causes such as blood loss or absorption problems.

Do Not Postpone Iron Deficiency Complaints

You can book an appointment with Academic Hospital Internal Medicine specialists for a personal evaluation and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can iron deficiency be recognized?
Iron deficiency may be noticed with symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, hair loss, shortness of breath and constantly feeling cold. Blood tests and physician evaluation are required for a definitive diagnosis.
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a value that shows stored iron in the body. In iron deficiency, ferritin value generally decreases and the result is evaluated together with other blood tests.
Is iron deficiency anemia a form of anemia?
Yes. Iron deficiency anemia refers to a state of anemia that develops when hemoglobin value decreases due to iron deficiency.
Which doctor should be consulted for iron deficiency?
For iron deficiency complaints, the Internal Medicine department may be consulted. If necessary, further evaluations may be performed for underlying blood loss, absorption problems or other diseases.
Can foods that contain iron replace treatment?
Foods that contain iron may be supportive; however, if iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia is marked, nutrition alone may not be sufficient. The treatment method should be determined by a physician.
Is iron treatment given orally or intravenously?
Iron deficiency treatment may be given orally or intravenously. Which method is appropriate depends on the degree of deficiency, the person’s condition and physician evaluation.
Academic Hospital note: For iron deficiency, anemia symptoms and recurrent low ferritin, you can book an appointment to receive an evaluation from our specialists.

References

The general information in this article about iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approach is supported by the following authoritative health sources.

  1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, "Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals", ods.od.nih.gov
  2. NHS, "Iron deficiency anaemia", nhs.uk
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Iron deficiency anemia - Symptoms and causes", mayoclinic.org
  4. CDC, "Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States", cdc.gov