Iron absorption difficulties affect a number of people worldwide. According to Rebecca Stoltzfus of the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins University, 80 percent of people worldwide may be iron deficient, 30 percent to the point of anemia. Too much iron in the body can also be problematic and may require further treatment. A condition known as hemochromatosis is the most common variety of iron overload. Weight loss is a symptom of both anemia and hemochromatosis.
Iron Deficiency
According to MedlinePlus, iron deficiency can occur because of menstruation, adolescence, childhood malnutrition or pregnancy. People with gastrointestinal conditions, vegetarians and those who give blood frequently are at risk of anemia. If you have lost weight recently and notice a pale pallor to your skin, have pale pink instead of red skin on your bottom inner eyelids or on your gums, you may be anemic. Weight loss may also be due to the loss of appetite associated with anemia.
Iron Toxicity
Iron toxicity, in the form of hemochromatosis, is usually a genetic disorder, although it may occur because of transfusions, blood disorders or iron overdose. Weight loss is also a symptom of hemochromatosis. Anorexia may also be a symptom of iron toxicity. Look out for a gray tinge to the skin.
Other Symptoms
Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and headache are symptoms common to both anemia and hemochromatosis. If you are persistently weak or unusually irritable, you may have an iron deficiency. Nausea and vomiting accompany iron poisoning -- if you notice any or all of these symptoms, see a doctor.
Dieting
Extreme dieting may cause iron deficiency. Eating a healthy and well balanced diet may help to prevent anemia. The recommended daily intake of iron for pre-menopausal women is 18 mg a day; for men, it is 8 mg. According to the University of Illinois' McKinley Health Center, this rises to 14 mg for men and 33 mg for women in restricted vegetarian diets, as iron that is not derived from meat is more difficult to absorb. If you are reducing your calorie intake, take care to absorb enough iron in your diet through beans, legumes, pulses and livers.
Gastric Surgery
If you lose weight through gastric surgery, you may develop anemia. Gastric weight loss surgeries restrict the amount of food that is consumed and absorbed into the body but may also affect nutrient levels. After any type of gastric surgery, your iron levels should be monitored regularly to ensure that you do not become anemic.
References
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Reexamining the Nature and Magnitude of the Public Health Problem; Dr. Rebecca J. Stoltzfus; 2001
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hemochromatosis
- MedlinePlus: Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Medline Plus: Iron in Diet
- University of Illinois -- McKinley Health Center: Dietary Sources of Iron
- National Anemia Action Council: Avoiding Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies Following Bariatric Surgery
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