Iron Deficiency in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Iron Deficiency in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Iron deficiency anemia is a worldwide problem that causes around 800,000 deaths each year. Iron deficiency is much more prevalent in women, but an iron deficiency in men can still be a problem, especially in male athletes.
While an iron deficiency in men is quite rare, it can be beneficial to be aware of the symptoms of iron deficiency as well as the treatment for low iron in men.
In this short guide, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about iron deficiency in men.
Iron Deficiency Causes
Mild iron deficiency in men can often fly under the radar and usually only occurs when there is an increased demand for iron in the body. This can occur during growth spurts in younger males, but in men, it is usually due to demands on the body such as increased blood volume, muscle building, or illness.
It is also quite common for men to develop an iron deficiency if they make a switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet. This is because a large amount of dietary iron comes from eating red meat.
Iron deficiency could also be the result of blood loss. In males, this is most often caused by gastrointestinal bleeding which can be the result of OTC painkillers or cancer.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron is responsible for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a substance found in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen around the body. When iron deficiency is left untreated, it can eventually result in reduced production of hemoglobin, which causes iron deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
If you’re finding that your usual workouts are taking more out of you than usual, but your calorie intake and your sleep is as normal, this could be a sign of iron deficiency. The symptoms of iron deficiency in men can be slight at first, but if you notice any of the following it might be worth having your iron levels tested by your doctor:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness and fatigue
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Pale Skin
- Restless legs syndrome
- Shortness of breath
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Cold feet and hands
- Brittle nails
- Weakened immune system
For men, the most common symptoms of iron deficiency are a lack of energy, frequent illness, tiredness, and headaches.
Iron deficiency is only a serious problem if it is left untreated for a long time. A lack of iron will weaken your immune system, which can make you more prone to illness and disease. It can also cause damage to vital organs because they don’t receive enough oxygen.
Iron Deficiency Treatment
Fortunately, treatment for iron deficiency is simple. In most cases, iron-rich foods can be added to your diet or an iron supplement can be taken. In the case of iron deficiency, it is also worth taking extra vitamin C as this helps the body to absorb iron.
Many individuals choose to deal with their iron deficiency by having an IV iron infusion. It’s the fastest way to get iron into the blood, and it is a very simple process providing you know what to expect.
Is Low Iron Affecting Your Health?
Iron deficiency in men is quite uncommon, but if you’re active or on a plant-based diet you have an increased risk of becoming iron deficient. If you are displaying any of the symptoms stated in this short guide then it is recommended that you visit your doctor. They might suggest a blood test to check your iron levels.
If you found this short guide useful, then be sure to take a look at the rest of our blog for more informative articles.
