Iron deficiency anemia is a secondary consequence of hemorrhagic anemia, as well as resulting from inadequate intake of iron-containing foods and reduced iron absorption (Marieb, Hoehn 642). About 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men do not have enough iron in their bodies, making it the most common form of anemia (Medicine Plus). Additionally, the blood lacks adequate amounts of healthy iron. red blood cells, which provide energy to the body and healthy color to the skin. As the name suggests, iron deficiency anemia is due to iron deficiency. Iron is vital to all living organisms because it is essential for multiple metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen. Although loss of iron by the body is as important as absorption in terms of maintaining iron balance, it is a more passive process than absorption. Constant errors in maintaining this balance lead to iron deficiency or overload. Iron balance is achieved largely through the regulation of iron absorption in the proximal small intestine. Iron absorption in the proximal small intestine occurs through 3 separate pathways. Reduced absorption is usually due to an insufficient intake of dietary iron in absorbable form. Hemorrhage is the most common cause of excessive loss of body iron; however, it may occur with intravascular hemolytic hemoglobinuria. Additionally, bleeding comes from most orifices, before developing chronic iron deficiency anemia, yet gastrointestinal bleeding goes unrecognized and excessive menstrual bleeding may be overlooked (Conrad). In women,...... middle of paper... levels, patients still tend to eat the supplements long term. This regulates iron levels, thereby treating anemia. Works Cited Marieb, Elaine N., and Katja Hoehn. "Chapter 17: Blood." Human anatomy and physiology. 8th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2010. 642. Print.MD Conrad, Marcel E. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” (2009). EMedicine. Network. 26 February 2011. .Lichtin MD, Alan E. "Iron deficiency anemia: anemias caused by deficient erythropoiesis: Merck Manual Professional." Merck & Co., Inc. is a global, research-focused pharmaceutical company. June 2008. Web. 26 February 2011. Alleyne M, Horne MK, Miller JL. Individualized treatment for iron deficiency anemia in adults. I'm J Med. 2008;121:943-948.