Iron Deficiency Anemia

A common type of anemia in which the blood lacks an adequate number of healthy red blood cells due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, the body can't produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen, leaving the individual feeling tired and short of breath. The problem can generally be corrected with iron supplementation, but other treatments may be required. Causes of iron deficiency anemia include loss of blood, lack of iron in the diet, an inability to absorb iron or, in some cases, pregnancy.