Final answer:
Iron deficiency can result from dietary deficiency, malabsorption, chronic bleeding, or increased demand such as during pregnancy. Vulnerable groups include teens, children, and people with specific dietary practices like vegetarians and vegans. Appropriate diet and supplementation can prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can occur when the intake or absorption of iron is inadequate for the body's needs. Common reasons for this deficiency include:
Dietary deficiency: Not consuming enough iron-rich foods or an excessive amount of phytates in cereals that limit iron absorption.
Malabsorption: Conditions such as celiac disease where the body cannot effectively absorb nutrients like iron.
Chronic bleeding: Can stem from gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers, or in women, heavy menstrual bleeding.
Increased demand: Situations such as pregnancy where the body requires more iron.
Teens, children, and individuals with specific dietary restrictions, like vegetarians and vegans, might be more susceptible to iron deficiency due to limited dietary sources. Moreover, iron deficiency anemia is a common consequence when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.
It is important to address nutritional gaps with an appropriate diet or supplementation to maintain sufficient iron levels and prevent related health issues.