Cures For Iron Deficiencies

Iron deficiency occurs when you have a low level of iron in your body. The deficiency occurs in several stages, ranging from iron depletion to iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells. The cure for iron deficiency depends on various factors, including the cause and the severity of the deficiency.

Increased Iron Intake

If iron deficiency is mild, increasing your iron intake may be enough to replenish your iron stores and cure your iron deficiency. Dietary iron is available in two forms: heme iron and nonheme iron. Heme iron, which is found in foods from animal sources, such as red meat, chicken, poultry, fish and shellfish, is more readily absorbed by your body. Nonheme iron, which is found in enriched cereals, beans, peas, lentils, spinach and dried fruits, is not as readily absorbed the body but can still increase your iron levels.

Iron Supplements

If your iron stores are depleted and your iron deficiency is moderate to severe, you may need iron supplements to cure the deficiency. Iron supplements, which are available in pill form, usually correct iron levels within a few months, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. If your doctor recommends iron supplements, it is important to follow dosage instructions properly. Consuming too much iron through supplements can lead to heartburn, constipation and stomach pain.

Considerations

If you have an iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend that you increase your intake of vitamin C as well, either through diet or supplements. Vitamin C enhances your body's ability to absorb nonheme iron, which is the iron found in plant foods. According to "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake, just 25 mg of vitamin C can double the amount of nonheme iron you are able to absorb.

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits and tangerines, are good sources of vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi fruit and spinach. If you decide to take a vitamin C supplement, be sure to consult with your physician.

Blood Transfusion

Blood loss is a common cause of iron deficiency. If you lose a lot of blood and your iron deficiency is severe, you may need a blood transfusion to replace the lost iron and cure the deficiency. A blood transfusion involves injecting blood from a donor directly into your blood vessels. A blood transfusion can cure your iron deficiency immediately, as well as provide your body with iron that can be reused. If blood loss is caused by a bleeding ulcer or intestinal polyp, you will also need to seek treatment to stop the bleeding to prevent iron deficiency from developing again.