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.
I had serious anemia my whole life. Doctors would give me iron supplements but it was like it could never be fixed. I ate all the right foods, you know, greens and lean red meat, but it was still there year after year. Because of that, I constantly felt cold and my hair started falling out. I knew there must be another reason that it was not improving.
A venous hum drove me crazy while I was in high school; I struggled to concentrate in class. After a year or two of trying to figure out what was causing the constant humming sound, I was told I had a venous hum as a result of severe anemia. This was my first clinical indication of celiac disease.
At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.
Your experience with anemia can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.
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