Iron deficiency in men: an underestimated health risk

Not only women have iron deficiency, men are also affected.

In this article, we shed light on the often underestimated risk of iron deficiency in men and explain its causes. You will learn how to recognise iron deficiency and treat it correctly.
Our aim is to give you a comprehensive understanding of this important health issue and provide practical tips on how to prevent iron deficiency.

1. Can men have iron deficiency?
2. Causes of iron deficiency in men
3. Symptoms of iron deficiency in men
4. Diagnosis of iron deficiency
5. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in men
6. Conclusion: How men can effectively protect themselves from iron deficiency symptoms

1. Can men have iron deficiency?

Iron plays a central role in our body as it supports vital functions such as the transport of oxygen and the provision of energy. Our body is not able to produce iron itself, so we are dependent on getting it from our diet. If our body lacks sufficient iron over a longer period of time, it begins to send signals of exhaustion. Typical symptoms are persistent tiredness, pale skin or a feeling of light-headedness.
Although iron deficiency is more common in women, it is also a risk for men that should not be underestimated. Several factors can lead to iron deficiency in men.

2. Causes of iron deficiency in men

In adulthood, the risk of iron deficiency in men increases with age. The deficiency can be attributed either to certain lifestyle factors or to health-related causes.

Nutritional causes of iron deficiency in men

Men have a lower iron requirement than women. One reason for this is that they do not lose iron through menstruation like women do. In addition, men eat more meat on average than women and meat is an important source of iron.
The nutritional causes of iron deficiency in men are complex and often linked to personal eating habits.

Six medical causes of iron deficiency in men

Iron deficiency can occur in men despite a balanced diet. In such cases, it is advisable to seek medical advice, as gastrointestinal disorders with blood loss can be the cause.

Six common medical causes of iron deficiency in men are:

1. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract: These are among the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia in men. Causes can include gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or haemorrhoids. Cancer in the gastrointestinal tract or inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori, especially in older people, can also lead to haemorrhaging. Returning travellers should also consider parasites such as hookworm.
2. Influence of medication: Acid blockers, which are used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers, reduce acid production in the stomach. Less stomach acid leads to a poorer release of iron from the food. In this way, acid blockers can impair iron absorption.
   Medications such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) can cause unnoticed stomach bleeding. Medication to lower blood lipid levels and to treat urinary stones can also make iron absorption more difficult.
3. Dialysis for kidney disease: Patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis lose 2-4 litres of blood each year, which can lead to significant iron loss.
4. Chronic bleeding from the gums or nose: Recurrent bleeding of this type can also contribute to iron deficiency over time.
5. Obesity: Severe obesity can cause a chronic inflammatory condition that results in an inhibition of iron absorption in the intestines.
6. Operations: Surgeries associated with high blood loss can also be a significant cause of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency in men caused by sport

Intense physical activity can have a significant impact on the iron balance and lead to iron deficiency. This effect is particularly noticeable in endurance athletes.

The three most important reasons for iron deficiency through sport are:

1. Sweating: During intensive training or competitions, endurance athletes lose iron through sweating. Studies show that around 0.5 to 1.2 milligrams of iron are released with every litre of sweat. This can quickly add up, especially in athletes who regularly train long and intensively.
2. Small haemorrhages: Intense exercise (e.g. long-distance running) can lead to micro-bleeding in the gut, which contributes to iron loss.
3. Dietary changes: Many ambitious athletes change their eating habits, for example by increasing their carbohydrate intake and at the same time reducing their consumption of animal fats and therefore often meat. This can lead to a lower iron intake, as meat is an important source of iron.

Regular blood donation as a reason for iron deficiency in men

While a single blood donation does not usually have a significant impact on the iron balance, the situation changes fundamentally with more frequent donations.
People who donate blood regularly and several times a year are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency, as the loss of iron through the donated blood often exceeds the amount that can be replenished through normal diet. As a result, iron deficiency is a frequently observed phenomenon among long-term blood donors.

Age as a risk factor for iron deficiency in men

After the age of 65, the risk of iron deficiency-related anaemia increases in men. Interestingly, age is a greater risk factor for iron deficiency in men than in women.

The two most important risk factors for iron deficiency in the elderly are:

1. Inadequate dietary iron intake: Eating habits often change with age. Many people eat a less varied diet and the intake of iron from food decreases. This is particularly problematic as the body tends to absorb and process iron less efficiently in old age.
2. Long-term use of certain medications: Many older people regularly take medications that can impair iron absorption. These include certain acid blockers and medications that affect gastrointestinal functions.

3. Symptoms of iron deficiency in men

Iron deficiency manifests itself in men and women in a number of typical symptoms. The most common signs of iron deficiency in men and women include

1. Pale skin: one of the most visible consequences of iron deficiency is pale skin. This is due to the reduced amount of haemoglobin in the blood, which is important for oxygen supply and therefore for skin colour.
2. Fatigue: A persistent feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy is typical of iron deficiency, as it impairs the oxygen supply to the cells.
3. Hair loss: Iron plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair. A deficiency can therefore lead to increased hair loss.
4. Performance loss: Both physically and mentally, an iron deficiency can lead to a noticeable drop in performance.
5. Chapped lips: Unusually dry and cracked lips can indicate an iron deficiency.
6. Shortness of breath and weakness: Shortness of breath, especially on exertion, and general weakness are other signs that may indicate an iron deficiency.

If you suffer from these symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor to clarify the underlying causes and plan appropriate treatment.

4. Diagnosis of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is usually diagnosed by means of a blood test.
The following blood values are of particular importance:

1. Reduced number of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
2. Reduced quantity of the red blood pigment (haemoglobin value, Hb value).
3. Low haematocrit value (Hct). (However, a low value can also have other causes)
4. Low transferrin saturation. (The transferrin value can also fall in the case of inflammation).
5. Ferritin (storage iron): The ferritin level in the blood indicates how well the body's iron stores are filled. A low ferritin value is a decisive indicator of iron deficiency anaemia. However, the value can also be elevated if inflammation is present at the same time.

If an iron deficiency is diagnosed, the underlying cause should be determined. Blood loss is often the cause of iron deficiency anaemia, in which case a source of bleeding must be identified and treated.

5. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in men

The treatment of iron deficiency in men can vary depending on the cause and severity. Even small changes can make a big difference.

1. Diet with iron-rich foods:
• Meat as a source of iron: Meat, especially liver, is rich in iron. Darker coloured meat generally contains more iron. Beef provides about 2.5 milligrams of iron per 100 grams.
• Plant-based sources of iron: Vegetarians and vegans should look out for plant foods rich in iron.
For example, pumpkin seeds, nuts, oatmeal, millet, pulses and berries are good sources of iron.
2. Vitamin C to improve iron absorption: Vitamin C supports the absorption of iron from food.
3. Food supplements for severe deficiency: In the case of severe iron deficiency, iron tablets or special iron supplements such as iron sticks with microencapsulated iron may be necessary.
4. Iron infusions for severe deficiency: In cases of severe iron deficiency, intravenous iron infusions may be necessary. This method is effective, but also harbours risks, which are explained in more detail in the article "Iron infusion yes or no".

Discuss with your doctor which measures are appropriate for you to ensure optimum prevention and treatment of iron deficiency.

6. Conclusion: How men can effectively protect themselves from iron deficiency symptoms

Although iron deficiency is less common in men than in women, they should watch out for symptoms such as tiredness and concentration problems.
Doctors often discover iron deficiency anaemia during routine blood tests. Don't leave your health to chance: schedule regular health checks. An untreated iron deficiency can have serious consequences, such as cardiovascular problems and impaired cognitive function.
Make sure your diet is rich in iron. Supplements such as AndreaFer Iron Sticks can help to effectively replenish iron stores.

Microencapsulated iron such as AndreaFer® Iron Sticks is particularly suitable for preventing a deficiency.
You can obtain a complete three-month iron cure with AndreaFer® from our shop with a 22% discount.