Question

What are the four main causes for iron-deficiency anemia?

Answer 1

The four main causes for iron-deficiency anemia are:

- **Blood loss**. This can occur from heavy menstrual bleeding, childbirth, ulcers, colon cancer, or other sources of bleeding.

- **Low iron intake**. This can result from a diet that does not include enough iron-rich foods, such as meat, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables.

- **Poor iron absorption**. This can happen when the body is unable to absorb iron from food due to certain diseases or surgeries that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or gastric bypass.

- **Increased iron demand**. This can occur when the body needs more iron than usual, such as during growth spurts, pregnancy, or lactation.

Answer 2

The four main causes of iron-deficiency anemia are dietary deficiency, lack of absorption, increased demand, and pathological blood loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

Iron deficiency anemia has four main causes:

1. Dietary deficiency: When the iron content in the diet is sufficient but due to phytates in cereals, iron is not absorbed properly. Vegetarians may need a higher daily intake of iron.
2. Lack of absorption: This can occur in malabsorptive syndromes.
3. Increased demand: Rapid growth during infancy and pregnancy can increase the need for iron.
4. Pathological blood loss: Conditions like hookworm infestation, bleeding piles, and gastrointestinal bleeding can cause blood loss and iron deficiency anemia.