Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a microcytic, hypochromic anemia caused by a deficiency of stored iron in the body that affects hemoglobin synthesis. It is characterized by depleted iron stores in the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and other tissues, along with reduced serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation. Common clinical manifestations include a sallow or pale complexion, dizziness or blurred vision, palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. The World Health Organization classifies this condition as one of four major nutritional deficiencies. Although it is relatively common, it can be treated successfully with iron supplementation, and the prognosis is generally good.

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Pale lips, fatigue and weakness, poor appetite, loose stools, a pale tongue with a thin, slightly greasy coating, and a thready, weak pulse

In plain language:

  • The lips look pale, as if they have lost their color.
  • You may feel tired and weak, with little energy for activities.
  • You may have a poor appetite and little desire to eat.
  • Stools may be loose and frequent, and diarrhea may occur easily.
  • The tongue may look pale overall.
  • The tongue coating may be thin and slightly greasy, with a sticky appearance.
  • The pulse may feel thready and weak, with little force when pressed.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Strengthen the Spleen and harmonize the Stomach; replenish qi and nourish the blood

In plain language:

  • Support the Spleen’s digestive function and harmonize Stomach qi, with the aim of easing poor appetite, abdominal bloating, loose stools, or upper abdominal fullness.
  • Replenish qi and nourish the blood, with the aim of easing fatigue, shortness of breath, a pale complexion, dizziness, or palpitations.

|Related Medications

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Fatigue and weakness, low energy and reluctance to speak, dry and thinning hair, a pale, swollen tongue, a thin coating, and a soggy, thready pulse

In plain language:

  • You may often feel tired and weak, with little energy even for small tasks.
  • You may feel short of breath when speaking and not want to talk much.
  • Your hair may become dry, brittle, and prone to falling out, and may look dull and lack elasticity.
  • Your tongue may look pale and enlarged, taking up more space when you stick it out.
  • The tongue coating may be thin and light, leaving the tongue surface looking relatively clear.
  • The pulse may feel soft and thready, with little strength when pressed.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Replenish qi and blood; support the Spleen’s digestive function

In plain language:

  • Replenish qi and blood, with the aim of easing fatigue, shortness of breath, a pale complexion, dizziness, or palpitations.
  • Support the Spleen’s digestive function, with the aim of easing poor appetite, abdominal bloating, loose stools, or a feeling of heaviness in the body.

|Related Medications

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

|Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Dry, uncomfortable eyes, dull pain in the flanks, hot flashes and night sweats, a red tongue with little moisture, a scant or absent tongue coating, and a thready, rapid pulse

In plain language:

  • Your eyes may feel dry and uncomfortable.
  • You may feel a dull ache along the sides of your rib cage.
  • You may experience episodes of feeling hot and sweating at night.
  • Your tongue may look red and feel dry.
  • There may be very little coating on the tongue, or none at all.
  • Your pulse may feel thready and somewhat rapid.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Nourish the Liver and Kidneys; nourish yin and clear heat

In plain language:

  • Nourish the Liver and Kidneys, with the aim of easing dizziness, tinnitus, soreness or weakness in the lower back and knees, or low energy.
  • Nourish yin and clear internal deficiency heat, with the aim of easing dry mouth and throat, restlessness, night sweats, or warmth in the palms and soles.

|Related Medications

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

References

  1. Zhang Zhinan, Hao Yushu, Zhao Yongqiang, et al. Hematology [M]. 2nd ed. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2011: 319–328.
  2. Liang Bing, Ge Zhihong. Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine [M]. 2nd ed. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2005: 94–95.
  3. Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China: Guide to Clinical Use of Drugs, Volume on Chinese Patent Medicines [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2011.
  4. Zhao Huijun. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children [J]. Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics, 2012(3): 163–165.
  5. Zhuang Haifeng, Cai Jiaohao, Shen Jianping, et al. A brief analysis of the TCM etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment methods for iron deficiency anemia caused by menorrhagia [J]. Journal of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2012, 31(1): 10–11.
  6. Yang Zhen, Luo Haiji. Research advances in iron deficiency anemia and iron supplements [J]. Foreign Medical Sciences (Section of Hygiene), 2006, 33(2): 90–93.