Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common blood conditions seen in Malaysia. It develops when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. When haemoglobin levels fall, oxygen delivery to the body\u2019s tissues and organs becomes less efficient. This is why people with iron deficiency anaemia<\/a> often feel tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many patients assume iron deficiency anaemia is simply caused by not eating enough iron-rich food. While diet can play a role, it is not the only cause. The condition may also result from heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, hidden gastrointestinal bleeding, poor iron absorption, chronic illness, or long-term medication use. In some adults, especially men and postmenopausal women, iron deficiency anaemia may be the first sign of an underlying problem that requires proper investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why iron deficiency anaemia should not be dismissed as \u201cjust low iron.\u201d Left untreated, it can affect work performance, concentration, exercise tolerance, heart function, pregnancy outcomes, and a child\u2019s growth and development. The symptoms may appear gradually, but the impact on daily life can be significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Consultant Haematologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Dr Sivakumar<\/a> Palaniappan sees patients with iron deficiency anaemia across all age groups. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients recover well. The key is not only to restore iron levels, but also to identify why the deficiency developed in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n