Iron deficiency anaemia rarely causes any serious or long-term complications. However, some people with iron deficiency anaemia find that it affects their daily life. Some of the more common complications are outlined below.
Tiredness
As iron deficiency anaemia can leave you tired and lethargic (lacking in energy), you may be less productive and active at work. Your ability to stay awake and focus can be reduced, and you may not feel able to exercise regularly.
Immune system
Research has shown that iron deficiency anaemia can affect your immune system (the body’s natural defence system), making you more susceptible to illness and infection.
Heart and lung complications
Adults with severe anaemia may be at risk of developing complications that affect their heart or lungs. For example, you may develop:
- tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat)
- heart failure, when your heart is not pumping blood around your body very efficiently
Pregnancy
Pregnant women with severe anaemia have an increased risk of developing complications, particularly during and after the birth. They may also develop postnatal depression (a type of depression that some women experience after having a baby).
Research suggests that babies born to mothers who have anaemia are more likely to:
- be born prematurely (before week 37 of the pregnancy)
- have a low birth weight
- have problems with their iron levels
- do less well in mental ability tests
Deficiency
If you have a deficiency, you are lacking in a particular substance needed by the body.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
