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A member asked:

Can a viral infection block the absorption of iron and cause iron deficient anemia?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Yes (sort of...): Infection can cause inflammation, and through a somewhat poorly understood mechanism, this can lead to anemia. One of the possible mechanisms is a disruption of iron metabolism where iron is inappropriately sequestered in macrophages, making less available to the body for normal red blood cell production.

Answered 9/21/2017

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I haven't hit puberty and im 16, i had/have mild iron deficiency anemia, is this the reason why i haven't hit puberty? I have a poor apetite as well?

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I have very mild anemia. Is there a blood test to determine what caused my anemia? Is there an iron deficiency test to determine if I have iron def.?

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I've read iron deficient anemia can cause skin itching. Why is this?

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