• There are many causes for iron deficiency and includes:
• Inadequate availability of iron:
• Low iron in diet - over a period of time can result in iron deficiency
• Blood loss due to menstruation or during child birth:
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or blood loss during child birth can lead to deficiency of iron
• Internal bleeding
• Internal bleeding also leads to iron deficiency and the reasons of internal bleeding are as follows:
• Internal bleeding can occur due to certain medical conditions like ulcers, polyps, colon cancer, etc
• Certain medications
• Inability to absorb iron:
• Certain disorders such as celiac disease or surgery affecting the intestine may lead to inability in iron absorption

• Eat foods rich in iron
• In case of infants, make sure to feed them breast milk or ironfortified infant formula
• During pregnancy, increase the intake of folic acid and food rich in iron such as spinach, beans and leafy greens

If untreated, complications may include:

• Mild iron deficiency doesn't cause any complications but if it is left untreated it will lead to health problems as follows:
• Iron deficiency may lead to rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Problems like premature births and low birth weight babies may be seen during pregnancy.
• Infants and children may become anemic and development might also be delayed.

Generally iron supplements and dietary changes can treat the condition. The treatment also depends on various factors like age, health and the cause of deficiency.

Medication

Iron supplements: Iron tablets will help in restoration of iron levels in the body.

Ferrous sulfate

Vitamin supplements: Used to improve iron absorption.

Vitamin C supplements