In brief
Anaemia means you do not have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin. It is commonly caused by iron deficiency and can cause tiredness, weakness and pale skin.
- Women aged 19 to 50 need 18 mg of iron a day and men 8 mg, according to healthdirect.
- Coeliac disease can cause iron-deficiency anaemia by reducing how well the bowel absorbs nutrients.
- Do not take iron supplements or food before a blood test for iron studies.
How it works
Some people have no symptoms, while others have fatigue or weakness, pale skin and cold hands or feet. Besides a lack of iron, causes include a lack of vitamin B12 or folate, blood loss such as from heavy periods, pregnancy, and long-term conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease and an underactive thyroid.
A full blood count measures haemoglobin, and iron studies show the body's iron stores. In early iron deficiency, ferritin is low while iron and transferrin may still be normal and there is no anaemia yet. Treatment usually means iron tablets for several months, or an iron infusion, and a diet with iron-rich foods.
Connections
11 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Iron deficiency and anaemia can cause
Anaemia may lead to fatigue and weakness.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Anaemia
Cold feet or hands are a symptom of anaemia.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Anaemia
Anaemia is one cause of heart palpitations, according to healthdirect.
Anaemia is one of the conditions that can cause brain fog, according to healthdirect.
Anaemia is one of the causes of shortness of breath.
Iron deficiency and anaemia can be caused by
Coeliac disease can reduce the absorption of nutrients and cause iron-deficiency anaemia.
Bowel cancer can cause a low red blood cell count (anaemia or iron deficiency).
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Bowel cancer
Iron deficiency and anaemia is measured by
In early iron deficiency, ferritin is low while iron and transferrin may be normal and there is no anaemia yet.
A full blood count measures haemoglobin, and low haemoglobin means anaemia.
Sources: Pathology Tests Explained, Full blood count; healthdirect Australia, Anaemia
Iron deficiency and anaemia is linked with
Anaemia is commonly caused by iron deficiency.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Anaemia; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Iron fact sheet for consumers
Iron deficiency and anaemia affects
Anaemia is when you do not have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Anaemia
Lab tests
- Full blood count (FBC)One of the most common blood tests. It counts and measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Iron studies (including ferritin)A group of blood tests that shows how much iron is stored in your body and how much is being carried in the blood.
- Coeliac disease testsBlood tests that screen for coeliac disease by checking for antibodies to gluten. A small bowel biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect and Pathology Tests Explained. Sources read on 13, 16 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.