D50-D53: Nutritional anaemias

D50: Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs when your body lacks the sufficient amount of iron. Iron is a vital nutrient that helps hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, transport oxygen throughout the body. When there is a scarcity of iron in the body, hemoglobin production is lessened, resulting in a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells. This can make you feel tired and weak because your body isn't getting the oxygen it needs. Iron deficiency anemia can result from a variety of causes including inadequate iron intake due to a poor diet, difficulties in iron absorption in your body, blood loss from an injury or conditions like menstruation or ulcers, and conditions that require more iron like pregnancy and growth spurts in children. Symptoms may include fatigue, paleness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, headache, and dizziness. Over time, if left untreated, this condition can worsen and can affect the heart.