Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is a deficiency in hemoglobin levels due to a lack of iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a very common type of anemia. The body requires a certain amount of iron and in case of iron deficiency you cannot provide your body with the necessary demand. Iron deficiency anemia may be due to a low-iron diet or the body's inability to absorb enough iron in the digestive system. Iron deficiency anemia can also be caused by chronic blood loss due to many different conditions. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by consuming more fiber-rich foods or taking iron supplements. Iron deficiency anemia has a variety of impacts on the body and different ways it can be treated. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is an insufficient amount of iron in the body (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). This condition causes a lack of adequate healthy red blood cells and therefore the body is unable to produce an adequate amount of hemoglobin (“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). When the body does not have enough iron in the blood it will begin to use the iron it has stored (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Eventually, this iron will become depleted and lead to iron deficiency anemia (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Some causes of iron deficiency anemia include blood loss, not consuming iron in the diet, the inability to absorb enough iron, or pregnancy ("Iron Deficiency Anemia," 2016). Individuals can develop iron deficiency anemia when they lose blood such as in women who have heavy menstrual cycles or in individuals with gastrointestinal bleeding (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). In both of these situations, large quantities of blood and also iron in the blood are lost (“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). An individual who does not get enough iron in their diet may develop iron deficiency anemia because over time their body may become iron deficient (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). The body requires the intake of certain quantities of iron and if iron is not consumed through the diet, a deficiency occurs (“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). When the body is unable to absorb the iron consumed, as in an intestinal disorder, an iron deficiency can also develop (“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). Iron can be consumed at a good level, but due to a disorder not enough iron enters the bloodstream causing a deficiency ("Iron Deficiency Anemia", 2016). Pregnancy can also cause iron deficiency anemia because pregnant women require a greater reserve of iron due to increased blood volume (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). If the demand for iron is not met, a deficiency will occur (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). Some individuals may have iron deficiency anemia and not notice it because the symptoms may be mild (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). Once an individual becomes more iron deficient, symptoms may increase and intensify (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). There are many symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia including fatigue, weakness, cold hands or feet, dizziness, brittle nails, frequent infections, and many others (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” 2016). The most common symptom of anemia is fatigue as the body is unable to supply enough oxygen to different parts of the body due to a lack of red blood cells (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Iron deficiency anemia is not something that can beself-diagnosed or treated, so it is important to see a doctor if some of these symptoms are present ("Iron Deficiency Anemia", 2016). Iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed by a doctor through medical examinations, medical history and blood tests (“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). The first diagnostic test that is usually used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia is a complete blood count (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). A complete blood count checks hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). If the complete blood count shows low hemoglobin or hematocrit levels it is a sign of anemia (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). A complete blood count also checks for abnormal amounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Another test that may be performed to diagnose iron deficiency anemia is the reticulocyte count (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). This test will show whether or not your bone marrow is producing red blood cells at a normal rate (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Other diagnostic tests that are performed include a peripheral smear and iron level testing (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). A peripheral smear examines the size of red blood cells under a microscope to see if they are smaller than normal, indicating iron deficiency anemia (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Iron level tests include a serum iron test that measures the amount of iron in the blood (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). To treat iron deficiency anemia, iron stores must be increased to normal levels (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Depending on the severity of the anemia, treatments may vary (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Iron deficiency anemia is typically due to not having enough iron in the diet or not being able to absorb enough iron into the bloodstream (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). In both cases, iron supplementation is used along with a high-fiber diet (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). After taking iron supplement pills, people tend to start feeling better within a couple of days, although they will need to take the supplement pills for several months to rebuild their iron stores ("Iron Deficiency Anemia iron", n.d.). Taking large amounts of supplements can be dangerous, so it is important to consult a doctor for the correct dosage (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Consuming more vitamin C can also help the body absorb more iron (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Iron supplements can be harmful if taken in large quantities and can also cause side effects such as constipation (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). If iron deficiency anemia is more severe, for example if iron deficiency anemia is due to blood loss, doctors may give a blood transfusion to quickly correct the anemia before you start taking pills of iron supplementation and consume more iron (“Iron Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Blood transfusions cure anemia immediately but it is only a short-term treatment (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Blood transfusions are a safe treatment method, but careful blood matching is required (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Iron therapy may also be used if long-term iron is needed and supplements cannot be taken orally (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). Iron therapy has some safety concerns and therefore must be performed by experienced personnel in a hospital or clinic (“Iron Deficiency Anemia,” n.d.). If deficiency anemia.