Other people may choose to take iron supplements despite not having a medical condition that requires them. Further research is necessary.Īlso, a systematic review found that the performance of athletes with a slight iron deficiency improved after taking iron supplements. However, other studies highlight that this may not be the case. Some research suggests that low iron levels may be associated with ADHD. People may also take iron supplements for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or to enhance sports performance. Malabsorption: Certain conditions - including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis - can make it harder for the body to absorb iron.Diet: Some people who do not eat a diet rich in iron can develop a deficiency.Cancer: A 2016 study found that iron deficiency was common in people with cancer.Blood loss: Blood loss due to heavy menstruation, hernias, or gastrointestinal bleeding may cause an iron deficiency and require iron supplements.One systematic review found that taking iron supplements during pregnancy reduced the risk of developing an iron deficiency.
This is because there is an increased demand for new red blood cells to support the fetus. Pregnancy : Women who are pregnant may develop an iron deficiency.People with an iron deficiency may have the right amount of hemoglobin levels but present with symptoms similar to those of iron deficiency anemia, which include: It is possible to have an iron deficiency but not iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can raise the amount of iron in the body to a healthy level. This is because there is a shortage of iron in the blood. People with iron deficiency anemia do not have enough healthy blood cells to carry oxygen to the parts of the body that need it. The most common condition that requires iron supplements is iron deficiency anemia. Conditions that iron supplements can treat