Anemia describes a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood, the cells in the blood responsible for carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries the oxygen, contains the mineral iron. Therefore, anemia can occur as a result of a reduction in red blood cells, a reduction in hemoglobin or a deficiency in iron. Doctors use the term microcytic anemia when the mean cell volume--MCV, a test run with a complete blood count--indicates smaller than normal red blood cells, according to the Merck Manual.
Role of Iron
People ingest iron, an essential mineral, in a variety of food sources. Because the body retains and reuses approximately 90 percent of the iron each day, dietary sources only need to replenish the 10 percent excreted, according to The Ohio State University. The body needs iron to produce heme groups---subunits contained in the protein hemoglobin. It is the iron within the hemoglobin that binds and carries the oxygen to all the cells in the body.
Microcytic Cells
Microcytic red blood cells are smaller-than-normal red blood cells. To determine the cause, doctors perform additional tests. A mean cell hemoglobin--MCH--reveals the amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. A deficiency in hemoglobin often indicates a deficiency in iron. To confirm iron levels doctors can measure the level of available iron in the blood.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Without sufficient iron in the body, hemoglobin cannot be produced, therefore reducing the number of functioning red blood cells. As the most common form of anemia, according to MayoClinic.com, iron-deficient anemia can affect anyone, but women have an increased risk due to the loss of blood, and therefore iron, each month during menstruation. Iron-deficient anemia can occur because of poor diet, body changes such as during pregnancy, blood loss or gastrointestinal conditions that inhibit the absorption of nutrients.
Symptoms
A decrease in functioning red blood cells results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen available to the cells. This results in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include lack of energy, fatigue, irritability, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache and increased heart rate. Due to a decrease in red blood cells, or the hemoglobin that provides blood cells their red color, the skin may appear pale.
Iron Supplements
Doctors base the treatment for microcytic anemia on the patient's age, health, medical history and tolerance for certain medications and supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For those with iron deficiency, eating an iron-rich diet can help to boost iron levels and decrease the symptoms of anemia. Foods rich in iron include meats, poultry, fish, some green and leafy vegetables, beans and iron-enriched foods such as breakfast cereals, breads and pastas. Taking an iron supplement each day can also help ensure the body receives enough iron to produce hemoglobin.
