What are the causes of iron deficiency anaemia?
A normal balanced diet will usually contain enough iron for the body’s needs. A low level of body iron leading to anaemia can result from various causes. Some are more serious than others, and include the following. Heavy menstrual periods Anaemia is common in women of all ages who have heavy periods. About 1 in 10 women will become anaemic at some stage due to heavy periods. The amount of iron that you eat may not be enough to replace the iron that you lose with the blood each period. Having heavy periods does not always lead to anaemia. Anaemia is more likely to develop if you have heavy periods and eat a diet that contains little iron. Pregnancy The growing baby needs iron and will take it from the mother. Anaemia is common in pregnant women. It is more likely to develop during pregnancy if you eat a diet that has little iron. Poor absorption of iron Some conditions of the guts (intestines) lead to poor absorption of various foods, including iron. Coeliac disease is an example. Blee
