Iron deficiency anemia
Celiac disease can limit food absorption and produce iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
- fatigue
- weakness
- chest pain
- headaches
- dizziness
According to one study, iron deficiency anemia affects around 40% of celiac disease patients. Another research of 455 celiac disease children discovered that 18% were anemic. Anemia was cured in 92% of patients after an average of one year of following a gluten-free diet. Prior research of 727 celiac patients found that 23% were anemic. Those who had anemia were twice as likely to have significant small intestinal damage, as well as poor bone density caused by celiac disease.
