What is the difference between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency occurs when the body is low in stored iron. Iron deficiency may not cause any symptoms and is often not recognized. When it is detected, it can be treated with iron supplementation. If the low iron level or its cause is not corrected, it can lead to muscle weakness and eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when a low iron level persists and prevents the body from making enough healthy red blood cells. The body can make red blood cells, even when it has an iron deficiency, but eventually the shortage of stored iron can slow that process and cause anemia. Iron deficiency anemia often leads to symptoms of fatigue, which may lead sufferers to seek medical attention. When iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed it is almost always treated, since untreated anemia can cause damage to the heart and other organs.
Iron deficiency occurs when the body is low in stored iron. Iron deficiency may not cause any symptoms and is often not recognized. When it is detected, it can be treated with iron supplementation. If the low iron level or its cause is not corrected, it can lead to muscle weakness and eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when a low iron level persists and prevents the body from making enough healthy red blood cells. The body can make red blood cells, even when it has an iron deficiency, but eventually the shortage of stored iron can slow that process and cause anemia. Iron deficiency anemia often leads to symptoms of fatigue, which may lead sufferers to seek medical attention. When iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed it is almost always treated, since untreated anemia can cause damage to the heart and other organs.
