While often overlooked as a simple nutritional shortfall, iron deficiency anaemia can have far-reaching consequences when left untreated.
The complications of iron deficiency anaemia can start with mild problems, like tiredness or trouble focusing. But over time, they can become more serious. These include problems with the heart, brain, growth, and immune system. When the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, every part can suffer. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.
How bad the complications get depends on several things. These include how long the anaemia has lasted, how severe it is, and whether doctors treat the root cause. Long-term anaemia can wear the body down, especially in people who already have health problems.
Cardiovascular Problems from Anaemia
One of the most serious effects of iron deficiency anaemia is its impact on the heart. When red blood cells carry less oxygen, the heart has to work harder to get oxygen to the body. This extra work can cause:
- Fast heartbeat and palpitations
- Heart murmurs
- A thickened heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy)
- Heart failure, especially in older people or those with heart disease
If this continues for too long, it may become life-threatening. Treating iron levels early helps prevent damage to the heart.
Effects on Thinking and Mood
Iron helps the brain grow and function. It helps carry oxygen and build brain chemicals. When iron is low, people may struggle to think clearly or feel good emotionally.
In children:
- Trouble learning
- Short attention span
- Slower speech or movement development
- Poor school results
In adults:
- Forgetfulness
- Trouble focusing
- Mood swings
- Higher risk of anxiety and depression
Replacing iron usually helps. But in children, long delays in treatment can lead to lasting effects.
Complications of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnancy
Pregnant women need more iron for both themselves and their baby. Without enough, serious problems can happen, such as:
- Babies born too early
- Low birth weight
- Death before or soon after birth
- Heavy bleeding after birth
- Tiredness that makes caring for a newborn hard
Low iron during pregnancy also affects the baby’s brain and body development. That’s why doctors check for anaemia during check-ups and give iron supplements when needed.
Weakened Immunity and More Infections
The immune system needs iron to work well. Without it, people get sick more often and stay sick longer. This is especially true for children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.
Low iron can cause:
- More frequent infections
- Slow healing
- Worse symptoms from existing illnesses
- Longer recovery after surgery or sickness
In areas with diseases like malaria or TB, complications of iron deficiency anaemia make fighting these infections even harder.
Physical Tiredness and Poor Performance
One of the first signs of anaemia is constant tiredness. When blood can’t carry enough oxygen, the body slows down.
This can cause:
- Trouble exercising
- Weak muscles
- Feeling tired even after rest
- Trouble doing everyday tasks
People who work physically demanding jobs or play sports may notice slower recovery and more injuries. For some, the tiredness can feel like a long-term illness.
Delayed Growth and Development in Kids
Children who don’t get enough iron may not grow or develop properly. They may:
- Stay shorter than expected
- Gain weight slowly
- Start puberty later
- Have weak muscles and poor balance
While most of these problems improve with iron and a healthy diet, some effects may last if the anaemia goes untreated for too long.
Skin, Mouth, and Nail Changes
Iron helps keep skin, nails, and the inside of the mouth healthy. When iron is low, these parts can show early signs of problems.
These include:
- Glossitis: a red, smooth, swollen tongue that feels sore
- Cracks in the corners of the mouth
- Spoon-shaped or weak nails
- Thinning or falling hair
While these signs aren’t dangerous, they can affect self-esteem. Most improve once iron levels go up.
Unusual Cravings and Restless Legs
Complications of iron deficiency anaemia can include odd symptoms linked to the brain and nerves.
- Pica: Craving and eating things that aren’t food, like ice, clay, or paper
- Restless Legs Syndrome: An urge to move the legs, especially at night
These problems often improve with iron treatment, though some may need extra support.
Existing Conditions Get Worse
People with long-term illnesses like kidney problems, cancer, or heart failure often get anaemia too. When that happens, their overall health can decline faster.
For example:
- Kidney disease patients need more medicine and have higher heart risks
- Cancer treatment may be delayed due to anaemia
- People with heart failure feel worse and may not live as long
Fixing iron levels helps people handle their other health problems better.
Higher Risk of Death and Illness
When severe and untreated, anaemia can raise the risk of death. This is most serious in:
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Older adults with other illnesses
- People in hospitals or after surgery
Sometimes, anaemia is the first sign of a hidden, serious illness like cancer. Delaying treatment makes these conditions harder to find and treat.
Summary of Complications of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
The complications of iron deficiency anaemia affect nearly every part of the body. They range from tiredness and thinking problems to heart failure, infections, and slow growth in kids. Most of these problems can be prevented or reversed with early testing, the right treatment, and regular follow-ups.
Spreading awareness—especially among high-risk groups—is key to lowering the global burden of this preventable health issue.
