Question 1

what causes low iron?

Accepted Answer

2 basics: You don't take it in (diet) or you loose it. Iron is a primary factor in creation of new blood cells (they ware out) and many metabolic processes. Lack of intake or increased loss (bleeding-recognized or not) leads to low levels. Dietary iron is found n many items like red meats or supplements. You can lose iron through menses, GI bleeding, other ways.

Question 2

reasons for low iron levels?

Accepted Answer

Less in or more out: Either lack of iron intake from diet (ie. Vegetarian), lack of iron absorption (ie. Celiac), or iron losses (ie. Bleeding).

Question 3

what is low iron saterstion?

Accepted Answer

Saturation?: Do you mean low iron saturation?  That would mean that your hemoglobin is low. That the iron in you blood is low.  What used to be called "iron poor blood" by the promoters of geritol.

Question 4

wat happens if your iron gets too low?

Accepted Answer

Low blood count: Iron is critical for the formation of red blood cells which carry oxygen to your entire body. If you iron stores get too low, not enough is available for this critical function and you will make less efficient red cells termed anemia causing lowered energy, lethargy and increased susceptibility to other kinds of illness.  Iron is readily available and cheap over the counter.

Question 5

is a blood iron level of 21 low ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes. You should get a complete blood count and check what your hemoglobin level is to see if you are anemic and how anemic. You should also get an "iron profile" and ferritin test  to complete the testing for anemia.

Question 6

can i donate plasma with low iron?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: You did not say how low your iron stores have fallen, or if you are on replacements. You can donate assuming you are healthy and have normal blood volume. It may take you longer to replace the donation if stores are very low, so,in that case, get a work up first to determine why you are so low, and if it is safe for the donation.

Question 7

could low iron cause me to be tired?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which often causes fatigue.

Question 8

can low iron cause me to be bloated?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Low iron is not associated with bloating, though the two may coexist independently. If you are iron deficient you could take over the counter iron supplements. Take the pills withe meals and if constipation happens take a fiber laxative like Metamucil.

Question 9

can low iron make you cold and tired?

Accepted Answer

Indirectly yes: Low iron can cause anemia  which can cause fatique.Iron is also important for correct cellular metabolism which could result in feelings of cold and fatique.

Question 10

can having very low iron levels kill you?

Accepted Answer

Not strictly: Low iron levels produce anemia.  Anemia when severe can kill, but that occurs very rarely since symptoms usually bring you to the doctor early.

Body is very good at maintaining iron levels.  It is typical for menstruating and pregnant females to have mild iron deficiency and sometimes anemia.  This is usually treated with a little iron replacement or meds to reduce menstrual loss.

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Can having very low iron levels kill you?

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