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What Causes Low Iron Levels?
Question: I have ankylosing spondylitis and my iron levels are always low unless I supplement, I did overdose on iron as a child and I'm wondering if this could be causing some of my problems now
Brief Answer:
decreased intake, poor absorption, increased loss
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The iron overdose in childhood would not have an impact on your present iron levels.
Low levels of iron are related to:(a)decreased oral intake of iron , (b)problems with absorption of iron or (c)increased loss of iron.
(A)Decreased intake: this occurs in persons with decreased appetite. The reduction in oral intake causes a resulting decrease in iron intake.
(B)Problems with absorption of the iron:(1)prolonged achlorhydria (decreased acid production in the stomach).
This can occur with prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors- medications used for acid reflux. Eg are prevacid, protonix, nexium, prilosec
(2)history of surgery with removal of parts of the bowel involved in iron absorption
(C)Increased loss- this can occur as a result of bleeding. The bleeding can be significant and easily identified (eg heavy periods, blood in the urine, blood loss due to trauma, obvious blood with bowel movements) or it may be slight and continuous and therefore not noticed ( occult or hidden blood loss in the stool).
This can be checked by history and also assessment of samples of urine and stool in the lab.
In some cases, examination of the bowel by barium enema or colonoscopy is needed.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
decreased intake, poor absorption, increased loss
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The iron overdose in childhood would not have an impact on your present iron levels.
Low levels of iron are related to:(a)decreased oral intake of iron , (b)problems with absorption of iron or (c)increased loss of iron.
(A)Decreased intake: this occurs in persons with decreased appetite. The reduction in oral intake causes a resulting decrease in iron intake.
(B)Problems with absorption of the iron:(1)prolonged achlorhydria (decreased acid production in the stomach).
This can occur with prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors- medications used for acid reflux. Eg are prevacid, protonix, nexium, prilosec
(2)history of surgery with removal of parts of the bowel involved in iron absorption
(C)Increased loss- this can occur as a result of bleeding. The bleeding can be significant and easily identified (eg heavy periods, blood in the urine, blood loss due to trauma, obvious blood with bowel movements) or it may be slight and continuous and therefore not noticed ( occult or hidden blood loss in the stool).
This can be checked by history and also assessment of samples of urine and stool in the lab.
In some cases, examination of the bowel by barium enema or colonoscopy is needed.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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