Iron-Deficiency Anaemia vs. Vitamin-Deficiency Anaemia: What’s the Difference?

Feeling tired, weak, or foggy-headed? You might be dealing with anaemia, a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. But did you know that not all anaemia is the same? There are different types of anaemia, and among the most common are iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin-deficiency anaemia.

Although both result in reduced oxygen transport and similar symptoms like fatigue, the root causes, diagnostic patterns, and treatments differ significantly. Understanding the differences is essential for accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and long-term health.

What Is Anaemia and Why Does It Matter?

Anaemia occurs when you have too few red blood cells or not enough hemoglobin in them. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When this system fails to deliver enough oxygen, you may feel constantly drained, lightheaded, or even short of breath after mild exertion.

More than 1.6 billion people worldwide are anaemic, according to the World Health Organization. The condition often develops slowly, and symptoms may go unnoticed until anaemia becomes moderate to severe. That is why awareness and early testing are critical.

The two most common causes are nutritional deficiencies:

• Iron-deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia (often grouped as vitamin-deficiency anaemia)

Iron-Deficiency Anaemia: What You Should Know

What Causes It?

Iron is a key mineral for hemoglobin production. When your body does not get enough iron, it struggles to make hemoglobin, and red blood cells shrink in size and function.

Top causes include:

• Inadequate dietary intake: Common in individuals with poor nutrition or restrictive diets
• Chronic blood loss: Such as from heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal ulcers, hemorrhoids, or injury
• Increased demand: Pregnancy and adolescence increase iron needs
• Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease or after gastric surgery may impair iron absorption

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Persistent fatigue
• Pale or sallow skin
• Brittle nails or hair loss
• Craving for ice or clay (a condition called pica)
• Headaches and dizziness
• Cold extremities
• Reduced exercise tolerance

Iron-deficiency anaemia typically results in microcytic (small-sized) red blood cells. It tends to worsen over time if not treated.

Vitamin-Deficiency Anaemia: More Than Just Fatigue

What Causes It?

This type of anaemia results from low levels of either vitamin B12 or folate, both of which are essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell development.

Common causes include:

• Inadequate dietary intake: Especially in vegans (B12 is mostly found in animal products) and alcoholics
• Pernicious anaemia: An autoimmune condition where the body can't absorb B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor
• Digestive disorders: Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or post-gastric surgery conditions
• Medications: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), metformin, or anticonvulsants can impair absorption

Symptoms to Note:

• Extreme tiredness
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Poor memory or cognitive decline
• Mood swings or depression
• Glossitis (a swollen, smooth, red tongue)
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Pale or slightly yellowish skin

Vitamin-deficiency anaemia causes macrocytic (enlarged) red blood cells. Neurological complications can become permanent if left untreated, particularly in vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.

How Are These Types of Anaemia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with symptoms, but definitive identification depends on lab testing.

Key Anaemia Tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• Basic and Comprehensive Iron Studies: Measures serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation
• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) and Serum Folate/Folic Acid Levels: Checks for specific deficiencies
• Peripheral blood smear examination (PS): Evaluates red cell size and shape
• Reticulocyte Count: Reflects bone marrow activity

Lupin Diagnostics provides a range of tests for anaemia diagnosis such as Serum Iron & TIBC, Anaemia Profile (Maxi), Anaemia Profile (Mini) and many more.

Understanding Your Lab Results- Key Differences

Here is a simplified table that highlights how iron-deficiency and vitamin-deficiency anaemias differ in lab profiles:

Treatment: What Works for Each Type

For Iron-Deficiency Anaemia:

• Oral Iron Supplements: Ferrous sulphate or other forms taken with vitamin C to enhance absorption
• Dietary Changes: Add red meat, poultry, spinach, lentils, fortified cereals, and tofu
• Addressing Blood Loss: Identifying and treating ulcers, hemorrhoids, or heavy menstrual bleeding
• IV Iron or Transfusion: Reserved for severe cases or when oral iron fails

For Vitamin-Deficiency Anaemia:

• Vitamin B12 Injections: Especially necessary in pernicious anaemia or absorption disorders
• High-Dose Oral Supplements: For mild B12 or folate deficiency
• Dietary Inclusion:
• B12 sources: Eggs, dairy, meat, and fortified cereals
• Folate sources: Leafy greens, legumes, oranges, and fortified grains
• Long-Term Management: Lifelong B12 therapy may be required for people with intrinsic factor deficiency or post-bariatric surgery

Can You Have Both Types at the Same Time?

Absolutely. It is not uncommon for someone with poor nutritional intake, gastrointestinal disease, or malabsorption syndrome to have both iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia simultaneously.

In such cases, treating only one deficiency may lead to partial improvement, leaving the other condition unaddressed. This is why comprehensive blood testing is essential before starting treatment.

Prevention is Your Best Defense

Whether or not you are anaemic, incorporating prevention into your lifestyle can help maintain healthy red blood cell levels.

Nutritional Tips:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and fortified foods
• Monitor high-risk diets, such as veganism, with regular check-ups
• Take prenatal vitamins if pregnant
• Limit alcohol, which can interfere with nutrient absorption
• Stay proactive about gut health to support nutrient absorption

When to Get Tested

Consider anaemia testing if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Paleness or yellowish skin
• Memory issues or mood changes
• Numbness or tingling in limbs
• Breathlessness even after mild activity

An early anaemia test helps identify the cause, whether iron or vitamin-related. Check yourself into the nearest Lupin Diagnostics Center for a comprehensive anaemia assessment.

Understanding the Difference Empowers You

Knowing the difference between iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin-deficiency anaemia can help you take control of your health more confidently. Both types share symptoms but differ in underlying causes, lab markers, and treatments.

If you are unsure about your symptoms, talk to your doctor and request the right anaemia tests. Don’t ignore the signs, anaemia can affect not only your energy levels but also your heart, brain, and overall well-being.

Know Your Numbers, Reclaim Your Energy

Understanding the different types of anaemia is the first step toward feeling better. Whether it's iron-deficiency anaemia or vitamin-deficiency anaemia, accurate testing and proper treatment can help you regain energy, focus, and well-being.

·         Book your anaemia test today or try a certified home test for anaemia kit

·         Talk to your doctor if you suspect symptoms of nutrient deficiencies

·         Make dietary adjustments to prevent recurrence and support blood health

Don’t wait for symptoms to disrupt your life, get informed, get tested, and take charge of your health.