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What To Know About Iron Deficiency Anemia And Aging
Iron deficiency anemia is common among older adults, with possible causes including nutritional deficiencies, blood loss, taking certain medications, and poor absorption.
The body uses iron in the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which transport oxygen around the body. Without sufficient iron, a person may not be able to produce enough healthy RBCs to satisfy the body's needs. The result may be iron deficiency anemia, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
A person typically receives iron from their diet. However, a dietary deficiency or the body's inability to use iron correctly can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This condition is common among older adults due to multiple contributing factors that can affect how the body gets or uses dietary iron.
In this article, we discuss the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in older adults and explain how to treat and manage the condition.
Iron deficiency anemia is relatively common in aging populations. Research from 2018 notes that depending on the population in question, 12–47% of older adults will develop some form of anemia.
Other evidence notes that anemia is most frequent in older age, potentially affecting about 17% of the population over the age of 65 years. Research also suggests that iron deficiency anemia, specifically, accounts for about one-third of anemia cases in older adults.
Although some cases of iron deficiency anemia may be mild, anemia in older adults can contribute to a number of adverse outcomes, including longer hospital stays and even mortality. As a result, doctors will work to diagnose and treat even mild cases of anemia.
Multiple underlying factors can play a role in iron deficiency anemia, more than one of which may contribute to a person's diagnosis. These can include:
Dietary intakeLower dietary intake of iron may cause symptoms if the body does not get enough iron to replenish healthy RBCs. People who follow certain diets, such as vegans, or those who do not consciously eat enough iron-rich foods may have an increased risk of anemia.
Learn about diet plans for iron deficiency.
Other vitamin deficienciesEven with a diet high in iron, a person lacking other important vitamins may still be at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. Deficiencies in B vitamins — such as vitamin B12 or vitamin B9, which is also called folic acid or folate — are also quite common and may affect iron absorption.
MalabsorptionIf the body cannot use iron properly — for example, due to a gastrointestinal disorder — even a high intake of iron may not be sufficient to balance iron levels. Health issues that affect iron absorption may, therefore, cause iron deficiency anemia as a secondary issue.
Low erythropoietinErythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that the kidneys produce. EPO helps stimulate the production and repair of RBCs. Conditions that could affect EPO levels may also lead to iron deficiency anemia. These conditions include those affecting the kidneys and hormone-related disorders.
BleedingBleeding may cause a person to lose enough healthy RBCs that they develop anemia. External bleeding may occur as the skin ages and becomes thinner, making cuts and scrapes more likely. These cuts and scrapes may also take longer to heal.
Conditions that cause internal bleeding, such as ulcers or issues in the stomach or intestines, may reduce the number of healthy RBCs in the body and lead to iron deficiency anemia. Trauma or injury can also sometimes cause hidden internal bleeding, leading to blood loss.
Some medications or combinations of medications may also increase the risk of internal bleeding, particularly with prolonged use. People in medical care who need regular testing may undergo very frequent blood draws, which could contribute to the issue.
Altogether, bleeding may be a contributing factor to RBC loss and anemia in many people. Research from 2018 notes that bleeding from medications and underlying conditions is the most frequent cause of iron deficiency anemia in older people.
MedicationsSeveral medications can potentially alter the RBC count. Medications that affect the kidneys or hormones may cause imbalances in key compounds and impair the creation of RBCs.
Medications that affect digestive absorption may make it difficult for the body to process iron or other important vitamins, such as B vitamins. Some drugs, including chemotherapy drugs, can affect the bone marrow, which is responsible for making healthy RBCs. Combinations of some drugs may also have unknown effects that could alter how the body makes or uses RBCs.
It is advisable for people to check the possible side effects of a drug and discuss the possibility of a drug causing symptoms of iron deficiency anemia with a doctor.
H. Pylori infectionSome infections may cause issues with how the body uses iron. Research from 2019 notes that Helicobacter pylori infections are common in aging populations, affecting up to 50% of those aged over 60 years. Complications from H. Pylori infections can include anemia.
Chronic diseasesChronic conditions may cause various issues in the body, potentially affecting RBCs or other systems involved in making or using RBCs. Some examples include:
Doctors will consider possible underlying conditions when making a diagnosis.
Inflammatory conditionsSome conditions may cause chronic inflammation in the body. Depending on the type and area of the inflammation, it may interfere with bodily functions, such as making RBCs. Anyone with a chronic inflammatory condition or other issue leading to long lasting inflammation may wish to consider contacting a doctor to discuss their risk.
The symptoms of anemia vary among individuals, but some common symptoms include:
People with light skin tones may also notice their skin becoming paler or slightly yellow.
Doctors will diagnose anemia using blood tests.
A complete blood count (CBC) test can help measure the different types of blood cells and other components of the blood, such as hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen. A low hemoglobin count may indicate a low RBC count and anemia.
Doctors may also administer a packed cell volume (PCV) test to measure hematocrit levels. The hematocrit level is the percentage of RBCs in the blood. A PCV test may help show that a person has too few RBCs, which may indicate anemia.
In addition to blood tests, doctors may use follow-up tests to check for other important factors related to anemia. They may perform a C-reactive protein test to look for inflammation markers or a reticulocyte count to evaluate bone marrow production. In addition, they may check for:
Doctors may recommend different methods for treating anemia depending on its underlying cause and severity. The treatment can vary in each case, as multiple factors may be contributing to the condition.
A doctor may start the person on supplementary iron, in the form of medicines, dietary iron, or intravenous iron, to increase their iron levels.
If an underlying condition is responsible for anemia, the doctor will look to treat this condition. This may resolve the anemia or help them find any other underlying causes.
If the doctor suspects that a medication or combination of medications is causing anemia, they may recommend alternative drugs, if available. Alternatively, they might suggest other ways to manage anemia until the person can get off the medication.
A person with iron deficiency anemia will need to ensure that they get sufficient iron and other key nutrients in their diet.
Tips for doing this include:
Any older adults who are experiencing symptoms that may indicate iron deficiency anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, should consider contacting a doctor for a diagnosis.
Individuals with underlying conditions that can affect iron absorption may wish to discuss with their doctor how to reduce their risk of iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency anemia is common in older populations, and multiple factors can play a role in its development. Potential causes of iron deficiency anemia in this age group include blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, medications, underlying conditions, and malabsorption.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency anemia should consider contacting a doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor should be able to advise how to increase dietary iron intake or treat underlying conditions that may affect iron absorption.
Does Anemia Cause Headaches? How To Get Rid Of Them
Anemia, when levels of RBCs are low typically due to an iron deficiency, may cause headaches or migraine episodes. There are therapies to manage headaches and options to treat anemia.
Anemia is a condition in which the number or function of red blood cells (RBCs) in a person's blood is below the normal level. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.
There are many possible reasons why a person may develop anemia. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia.
This article discusses how anemia may cause headaches or migraine episodes. It also discusses other symptoms of anemia and how to manage headaches caused by the condition.
There is a connection between anemia and headaches. Headaches are a possible symptom of anemia. A 2022 study estimates that nearly 80% of people with iron deficiency anemia also experience headaches.
Some experts believe that iron is involved in making serotonin, a chemical messenger in the body. People who experience migraine have altered serotonin levels. It is possible that a reduction in serotonin levels due to iron deficiency anemia may make a person more prone to developing headaches.
The connection may also be related to the role of red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. When red blood cell levels are low, all parts of the body, including the brain, may not get enough oxygen. This may change how the brain functions and bring on headaches or migraine episodes.
A randomized controlled trial from 2020 showed that people with anemia who supplemented with iron reported a significant improvement in their headaches.
Anemia is not the only cause of headaches or migraine episodes. A person should speak with a healthcare professional to ensure they are getting the right care and treatment.
Learn more about anemia.
What does the headache feel like?The type of headache a person experiences as a result of iron-deficiency anemia can vary. Some people will experience a dull aching sensation throughout their head. They may also feel lightheaded or dizzy.
A migraine episode will feel different. It is usually more severe pain, along with nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
There are several possible signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
Beyond a headache, other signs and symptoms of anemia include:
Learn more about iron deficiency anemia.
Studies show that people with iron deficiency anemia have a higher rate of migraine. A study from 2022 showed that 23.3% of people with migraine also had anemia.
Another study compared rates of iron deficiency anemia in people with and without migraine. In the migraine group, 21% of people had iron deficiency. Among the control group, only 10% had iron deficiency.
Another study found a connection between ferritin levels and migraine. Ferritin is a measure of iron stores in the body. In people who were assigned female at birth over the age of 50, those with low ferritin levels were more likely to experience migraine.
Migraine is a medical condition that typically causes pulsing and throbbing head pain, also known as migraine episodes. The pain tends to be more severe than other types of headaches and generally occurs on one side of the head.
Other migraine symptoms include:
Learn more about migraine.
In the short term, treating a headache caused by anemia will be like treating any other headache or migraine episode.
Treatments include:
The only way to know for sure if a person has anemia is by having a blood test. If the blood cells in a blood sample appear small and pale, this is generally an indication of iron deficiency anemia.
The treatment for anemia will depend on the cause. There are many possible reasons for iron deficiency anemia, including:
Treatments for anemia include:
A person should speak with a healthcare professional to get the most effective treatment for both anemia and associated headaches or migraine pain.
Anyone with frequent headaches or other symptoms of anemia may consider contacting their doctor.
The only way to know for sure if a person has anemia is to have bloodwork done, which can check the number, size, and shape of the red blood cells.
A doctor can also rule out any other causes of headaches or migraine pain and create an effective treatment plan.
Anemia is a condition in which the levels of red blood cells are below the normal range. Iron deficiency is the most common reason for anemia. There are many symptoms of anemia, including headaches or migraine episodes.
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia help stabilize iron levels so the body can once again build normal amounts of red blood cells. For some people, this can improve their headaches.
If a person is having frequent headaches, they should undergo bloodwork to check their iron and red blood cell levels.
Iron Deficiency Directory
Iron helps your body get oxygen through the bloodstream. Without iron, fewer red blood cells can be made, which causes anemia. Iron levels can get too low because of bleeding, due to heavy menstruation or other problems, such as ulcers. It can also be caused by simply not getting enough iron through your diet. Common symptoms of an iron deficiency include fatigue, dizziness, and moodiness, along with other symptoms. Treatments include taking iron supplements. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how iron deficiency is caused, how to treat it, and much more.
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