Anemia, also called iron deficiency anemia, is a decrease in red blood cells due to a lack of iron. Anemia is extremely common, especially in women. Anemia is also common in those with undiagnosed celiac disease. It can have many causes, including iron, folate, or Vitamin B12 deficiencies. These deficiencies can be related to the malabsorption caused by celiac disease. People who have anemia may feel tired, fatigued, or weak. They may also have shortness of breath or be unable to exercise normally. Do not add iron supplements without consulting your healthcare provider first. Anemia should be addressed by a medical professional to identify and treat the root cause and to monitor iron levels during treatment.
Untreated celiac disease can cause different degrees of malabsorption in each individual. This typically leads to lower-than-normal levels of essential nutrients, such as:
Vitamin deficiencies may continue on a gluten-free diet, so taking a gluten-free multivitamin may be a good idea. Specific vitamins and minerals may also be necessary to correct more severe deficiencies. Discuss any vitamin and mineral supplements with your doctor or dietitian before taking them.
A few reported cases of anemia as a symptom of non-celiac gluten sensitivity exist. It’s currently unclear if NCGS directly causes it. There is ongoing research to investigate this potential connection.
Note:
When this podcast was recorded, Beyond Celiac was known as the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
Do you or a family member suffer from anemia? You may have celiac disease. Find out now. Take our Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.
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