Iron is an essential element that is necessary for good health. Most of the iron in your body is found in your red blood cells. Deficiency does not happen overnight -- it can develop slowly or be caused by your body’s inability to use stored iron. More than 30 percent of the world’s population is iron deficient, according to the World Health Organization. Low iron levels can cause anemia and a variety of other rare conditions, which can lead to disease, infection or death.
Aplastic Anemia
Low iron can be caused by a rare condition called aplastic anemia. It is a rare iron deficiency caused by a bone marrow failure. Bone marrow is found in the center of your bones. It produces hematopoietic stem cells that eventually grow into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. When your bone marrow fails to produce new blood cells, it creates an iron deficiency. Aplastic anemia can develop over time or be caused by another disorder, but unless treated, it will worsen over time, cautions the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headaches, chronic infections and chronic excessive bleeding at times.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a rare condition caused by low iron because of a low platelet count. This condition can be inherited, caused by exposure to toxic chemicals such as pesticides, caused by certain medications that slow your body’s platelet production, alcohol, viruses or other genetic conditions. Depending on the severity of thrombocytopenia, you may need medicines or treatment. It can last anywhere from days to years depending upon the cause. Symptoms of thrombocytopenia include mild to serious internal or external bleeding, which can cause purple, red or brown bruises that look like spots on your skin. If you have prolonged bleeding after a cut, dental work or nosebleeds, you may have thrombocytopenia. This condition is rare and diagnosed by a full physical exam followed by a complete blood count.
Blackfan Diamond Anemia
Blackfan diamond anemia is caused by lack of enough red blood cells because your bone marrow cannot generate enough to supply your body with the necessary iron. This condition begins at birth and causes slow growth, facial abnormalities, abnormal weakness, webbing or abnormal shortening of your neck because the bones in the spine are fused, protruding shoulder blades, hand deformities, congenital heart defects and chronic fatigue, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Enlarged Heart
Low iron levels, low red blood cell count, can cause your heart to enlarge. Anemia can cause irregular or rapid heartbeats. Your heart has to work harder to pump more blood because of the lack of oxygen rich red blood cells. Over time, your heart can enlarge if this condition is left untreated, according to the MayoClinic.com. This is a rare condition, but can be caused by chronic anemia.
References
- World Health Organization; Nutrition; Micronutrient Deficiencies
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; What is Aplastic Anemia?; October 2010
- National Organization for Rare Disorders; Acquired Aplastic Anemia; 2009
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Thrombocytopenia; What Causes Thrombocytopenia
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Thrombocytopenia; What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia?
- National Organization for Rare Disorders; Anemia, Blackfan Diamond
- MayoClinic.com; Enlarge Heart; Causes; July 2011
