What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of microcytic anemia (anemia characterized by small red blood cells). It occurs when the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient, and hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed.

How do members experience iron deficiency anemia?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with iron deficiency anemia*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for iron deficiency anemia*

*Data from patients with iron deficiency anemia, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Compare treatments taken by people with iron deficiency anemia*

Treatment
Perceived effectiveness
Side effects
Total evaluations
Tried for
Treatment

(NatureMade Iron)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (12 evaluations)
Side effects
nausea digestive problems
Total evaluations
12
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (8)
Treatment

(Vitamin C with Rose Hips)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (1 evaluation)
Side effects
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (3)
Treatment

(Ferro-Sequels)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (1 evaluation)
Side effects
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (2)
Treatment

(Fergon)
Perceived effectiveness
No evaluations
Side effects
No evaluations
Total evaluations
0
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (1)

*Data from patients with iron deficiency anemia, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Who has iron deficiency anemia on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 25
20s 163
30s 411
40s 581
50s 721
60s 396
70+ 209

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 215
Female 2,257