How is iron-deficiency anemia treated?

Goals of the treatment

The goals of treating iron-deficiency anemia are to restore normal levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and iron as well as to treat the condition causing the anemia.

Specific types of treatment

Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia is based on the cause and the severity of the condition. It will include treatment to stop any bleeding, as well as changes in diet and iron supplements as needed. Severe anemia may require more emergency measures.

Treatment to stop bleeding

Treatment will depend on why the body is bleeding and where it is bleeding. Anemia will not improve until the bleeding is stopped.

Treatment to increase iron in the diet

Your doctor may recommend a diet rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin C to treat the anemia. Iron in meats is more easily absorbed by the body than iron in vegetables and other foods. The best source of iron is red meat, especially beef and liver. Chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and shellfish also are good sources of iron. Other foods high in iron are:

Eggs
Cereals, breads, or pastas that are fortified with iron
Beans and nuts, including peanut butter, almonds, peas, lentils, and white, red, and baked beans
Dried fruits (for example, raisins, apricots, and peaches), prune juice
Vegetables such as spinach and other dark green, leafy vegetables
Iron-fortified infant formula and cereals

Sources of vitamin C in foods include many fruits and vegetables such as:

Citrus fruits (for example, oranges, grapefruits, and lemons) and their juices
Kiwi fruit, mangos, apricots, strawberries, cantaloupes, and watermelons
Broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, and leafy greens (for example, romaine lettuce, turnip greens, spinach)

The doctor may prescribe supplements to treat anemia. Supplements can correct low iron levels within months if taken as ordered. They include iron supplements in pill form and vitamin C to help the body absorb the iron. Iron supplements also come in drops for children. But iron supplements are very dangerous if taken in overdose, so it is important to keep them away from children. Iron and vitamin C supplements can cause side effects, including dark stools and stomach irritation or heart burn. Iron also can cause constipation, and a stool softener may be needed.

Treatment for severe and life-threatening anemia

Severe anemia may need to be treated with hospitalization, blood transfusions, and iron injections.