Can iron deficiency cause dizziness or lightheadedness?

I have iron-deficiency anemia. Lately, I've been experiencing frequent dizziness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure. Could this be due to iron deficiency, or do I have another underlying condition? What should I eat to improve these symptoms?

(Mr. Hoai Nam, 54 years old, residing in Trang Dai Ward, Bien Hoa City)

The doctor replied:

Hello, sir!

Iron deficiency anemia reduces the number or size of red blood cells, leading to a decreased ability to transport oxygen to the body's organs. This causes symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, lack of energy, negative thoughts, reduced concentration, rapid heartbeat during exertion, pale skin, and pale fingernails. Early-stage iron deficiency anemia is often difficult to detect because the symptoms are easily overlooked.

There are many causes of anemia and iron deficiency, primarily due to a diet lacking in iron, not diverse enough, or excessively restrictive. Vegetarians are at risk of iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Additionally, some foods, such as coffee, reduce iron absorption.

You can improve this condition through dietary supplements such as:

- Iron-rich foods: Animal liver is the richest source of iron, but beef, chicken, pork, and fish are also good sources.

- Eat a variety of food groups: Ensure you include all four food groups (carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits) in your daily meals.

- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Provide vitamins and minerals that support iron absorption, especially vitamin C. Prioritize iron-rich vegetables such as kale and lettuce.

- Limit foods that inhibit iron absorption: Coffee, tea (especially milk tea, energy drinks) should be consumed away from meals that supplement iron. Milk should also be drunk about 1.5 - 2 hours away from main meals.

Note that if you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia through laboratory tests and have clinical symptoms, treatment with iron tablets should follow your doctor's prescribed regimen, usually lasting 3-6 months.

In summary, having a varied, balanced diet rich in iron can prevent and support the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Once iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed, iron supplementation with medication should be done under a doctor's supervision and combined with a healthy diet.

Doctor Bui Huu Loi,

Specialist in General Internal Medicine, Director of Ai Nghia Tam Phuoc Multi-Specialty Clinic

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202503/thieu-sat-co-gay-ra-hoa-mat-chong-mat-khong-db16a30/