Decreased ability to absorb iron
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by low iron levels in the body, which may be the result of a reduced ability of your digestive tract to absorb iron. Conditions that may lower your body's absorption of iron include:
- Total or partial removal of the stomach (gastrectomy).
- Surgery that helps people lose weight (bariatric surgery).
- Lack of stomach acid (achlorhydria).
- Total or partial removal of the small intestine.
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Small-bowel disease, such as celiac disease.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 24, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology | |
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