Identify a common cause and symptom of iron-deficiency anemia.

• A. Inadequate iron intake/absorption; symptoms fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath.
• B. Dehydration; symptoms increased energy.
• C. Vitamin C overconsumption; symptoms bright nails.
• D. Excess iron intake; symptoms weight gain.

Answer: (A)

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when there isn’t enough iron to make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, or the cells become smaller and paler, which lowers the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. That reduced oxygen delivery leads to fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath with activity—the classic signs of this condition. Inadequate iron intake or poor absorption is a common cause because both reduce the iron stores the body uses to make hemoglobin.

The other options don’t fit the typical pattern: dehydration isn’t a primary driver of iron-deficiency anemia and its main symptoms aren’t the classic fatigue and pallor; excessive vitamin C intake doesn’t produce bright nails as a hallmark symptom; and excess iron intake isn’t characterized by weight gain.