Final answer:
The most common cause of iron deficiency in the elderly in the Western world is chronic blood loss, often due to colon polyps or carcinoma.
Malabsorption issues also contribute to the condition. Proper treatment involves identifying the underlying causes and ensuring adequate dietary iron intake.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Colon polyps/carcinoma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of iron deficiency in the elderly, especially in the Western world, is chronic blood loss, which can arise from conditions such as colon polyps or carcinoma. With age, the risk of gastrointestinal malignancies increases, which can lead to occult bleeding and resultant iron depletion.
Additionally, malabsorption can contribute to iron deficiency due to factors like atrophic gastritis or celiac disease, which are more common in the elderly. It is crucial to identify any sources of blood loss or malabsorption in order to properly treat iron deficiency anemia in this population.
While dietary deficiency and increased demand due to pregnancy can lead to iron deficiency anemia, these are less common in the elderly. Instead, underlying gastrointestinal conditions often play a significant role.
Preventing anemia in the elder population often involves addressing these underlying causes and ensuring that they receive the recommended amount of iron through diet or supplementation. Foods rich in iron, like red meat, legumes, and spinach, are important in maintaining adequate iron levels.