Abbreviation: IDA
A type of anemia caused by depleted iron stores, either due to chronic loss (e.g., GI bleeding, menorrhagia), inadequate intake, decreased absorption (e.g., atrophic gastritis, IBD), or increased demand (e.g., during pregnancy). Typically manifests as a microcytic anemia (MCV < 80 fL) but may also be normocytic. Other characteristic laboratory findings include decreased serum ferritin, iron levels, and reticulocyte count.