Does IgA Nephropathy Cause Low Iron

Does IgA Nephropathy cause low iron? Iron plays a crucial role in producing red blood cell. When iron level in the body is lower than the normal range, less red blood cells are produced and this will trigger anemia. Therefore, keeping iron level in the normal range 60mcg/dL to 170mcg/dL is very important for preventing anemia. Well, what can cause low iron? Some IgA Nephropathy patients complain they have low iron, is this related with their kidney problem?

Does IgA Nephropathy cause low iron?

To be honest, not everyone with IgA Nephropathy will definitely develop anemia due to low iron level in blood. But in some severe cases, IgA Nephropathy patients indeed suffer from anemia caused by low iron level.

IgA Nephropathy is a kidney problem that is related with our immune system. With IgA Nephropathy, we can not eat casually, as what we eat will affect our physical condition and illness condition directly. Generally, patients need to limit protein intake, and avoided most of the fruits and vegetables because of high levels of sodium, potassium and phosphorus in blood. Long-term diet limitation affects them from ingesting enough iron from foods, leading to low iron in blood.

What to do with anemia caused by low iron in IgA Nephropathy?

Though anemia occurs as a complication of kidney disease in many cases, but in turn it worsens kidney and accelerates illness condition. Therefore, effective management for anemia is very beneficial for patients.

In general, to get anemia caused by low iron controlled effectively, IgA Nephropathy patients need to:

1. Increase iron intake: Try to eat more high iron foods like nuts, beef, whole grains, Tofu and white beans. These foods help to increase iron level in blood, but if they may not be available for some IgA Nephropathy patients, so please get the permission of doctors before eating them.

2. Iron supplements can be used to remit low iron problem if failed to get enough iron from daily foods.

3. Protect residual kidney function: IgA Nephropathy patients need to make diet changes as their failed kidneys can not function properly. Usually, the poorer their kidney function, the more strict their diet principles and this may lead to the worsening of anemia. Besides, with the worsening of illness condition, generation of EPO (erythropoietin) will decrease, which also contribute to anemia. In this light, protecting residual kidney function also plays a role in treating anemia.