What is a primary cause of iron deficiency anemia in renal patients?

In renal patients, blood loss during dialysis is a primary cause of iron deficiency anemia. Dialysis often involves the use of a dialyzer that can cause blood loss through the process of filtration. Additionally, hemodialysis can also result in minor blood loss due to the use of needles to access the bloodstream and potential bleeding at the access site. Over time, this recurrent blood loss can deplete the body's iron stores, leading to anemia as there is insufficient iron available to produce hemoglobin for red blood cells.

This connection underscores the importance of monitoring iron levels and managing anemia in patients on dialysis. These patients often require iron supplementation or other interventions to address anemia effectively. In contrast to the blood loss that occurs during dialysis, other choices do not have as direct or impactful a connection to the development of iron deficiency anemia in this population. For example, while increased fluid intake might influence blood volume, it does not directly result in iron deficiency. Excessive vitamin consumption may have health implications but is not known to lead to iron deficiency anemia. Enhanced erythropoiesis theoretically sounds beneficial for anemia; however, without adequate iron, the production of red blood cells is compromised. Therefore, blood loss during dialysis remains the most direct and primary cause of iron deficiency