What are the common causes of iron-deficiency anemia?
Common causes of iron-deficiency anemia include:
1. Inadequate dietary iron intake: Insufficient iron in the diet, especially in vegetarians and vegans.
2. Chronic blood loss: Menstruation, internal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, cancer), and frequent blood donations.
3. Increased iron requirements: Pregnancy, lactation, rapid growth, and chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, HIV).
4. Malabsorption: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and gastric bypass surgery.
5. Poor iron absorption: Inhibitors like tea, coffee, and milk consumed with meals.
6. Chronic diseases: Kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
7. Genetic disorders: Hereditary iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia.
8. Infections: Hookworm, malaria, and other parasitic infections.
9. Surgery: Gastric bypass, gastrectomy, and intestinal resection.
10. Medications: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and histamine-2 receptor antagonists.