May result in weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, anemia. Severe iron deficiency results in anemia with small, pale, red blood cells that have a low hemoglobin concentration. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of premature and low birth weight babies. In adults, iron deficiency anemia impairs physical work capacity. In the US, severe iron deficiency anemia is relatively rare.
Red meat is a rich source of iron that is well absorbed.
U.S refined grain products are routinely enriched with iron. Iron-fortified formula or cereals are useful in preventing iron deficiency in infants. In populations of European origin, approximately 1 in 300 people have hemochromatosis, a genetic abnormality of excessive iron stores. Researchers are testing hypotheses that high iron stores may increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, through oxidative mechanisms.