Overview
Anaemia is a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. The most common type is iron deficiency anaemia, where insufficient iron prevents production of haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). Anaemia can cause extreme fatigue and a range of other symptoms. It is highly treatable once the underlying cause is identified.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Anaemia (Iron Deficiency):
- Insufficient iron intake through diet
- Poor iron absorption (coeliac disease, bowel surgery)
- Blood loss: heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding
- Pregnancy — increased iron demands
- Chronic diseases: cancer, kidney disease, Crohn's disease
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (megaloblastic anaemia)
- Bone marrow disorders
- Haemolytic conditions (sickle cell, thalassaemia)
- Excessive physical training in athletes
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Anaemia (Iron Deficiency) include:
- Extreme tiredness and fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Brittle nails and hair loss
- Craving ice, clay, or starch (pica)
Diagnosis
Anaemia (Iron Deficiency) is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Anaemia (Iron Deficiency) may include:
- Iron supplements: ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate
- Dietary changes: red meat, leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals
- Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption
- Treating underlying cause of blood loss
- IV iron if oral supplements not tolerated
- Blood transfusion in severe cases
- Vitamin B12 injections or supplements for B12 deficiency anaemia
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anaemia of chronic disease
Prevention
Eat iron-rich foods, pair with vitamin C, treat underlying conditions, take iron supplements during pregnancy as recommended.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Anaemia (Iron Deficiency) can lead to complications including:
Heart problems including heart failure, complications in pregnancy including premature birth, delayed growth and development in children.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: D50. Last reviewed June 2026.