Does Smoking Affect Your Iron Levels?

Maintaining the right iron levels is crucial for your overall health and quality of life, and smoking regularly can mess that up. The chemicals in cigarettes can lead to anaemia and other iron-related issues.

If you’re a heavy smoker, you’re more likely to develop iron deficiency and other several related problems. This can affect your heart, lungs, stomach, and even your sexual health and fertility.

Keep reading to find out how smoking impacts your iron levels and what steps you can take to get them back on track.

Can Smoking Cause Iron Deficiency?

Smoking is directly linked to anemia and how it significantly reduces iron levels in the body. 

Chat to an Aussie GP today
  Friendly phone consultations
  TGA-authorised Aussie doctors
  Nicotine vaping scripts available

Get started                                

Aside from reducing blood levels and affecting hemoglobin production, smoking also exposes the body to oxidative stress with the increased presence of free radicals in the body, which have an adverse effect on how the body absorbs iron.

Chemicals in cigarette smoke have also been linked to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation is not only painful for smokers, but the body also uses what iron it has to reduce inflammation.

Lastly, smoking also raises the risk of stomach problems, which can worsen and cause internal bleeding if smokers don’t stop for good.

Can Smoking Cause Anemia?

When your red blood cell count drops below normal, it can lead to lower haemoglobin levels and a condition called anemia. Smoking and the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes can seriously affect your iron levels and red blood cell count. 

When your red blood cells drop too much, you might start feeling tired and weak, and look pale with a strange skin texture. You might also struggle to concentrate, which is a common issue for long-term smokers.

Smoking can even drop the levels of your vitamin C, which is essential for helping your body absorb iron and protect it.

Smokers often see a significant drop in both vitamin C and iron levels, unlike non-smokers who don’t experience this issue. People who are heavily dependent on cigarettes are also more likely to be deficient in vitamin B12 and folate, both of which are vital for making blood.

Basically, the harmful chemicals in cigarettes overpower all the essential nutrients that should be helping your body stay healthy. Your body will definitely thank you if you quit smoking for good.

Why Are Iron Levels Important to Maintain?

Iron is a crucial part of the human body because it helps form red blood cells and carry oxygen throughout your body. It boosts your circulation and oxygenates your blood, helping your heart and delivering nutrients all over. 

That’s why if you smoke and have anaemia, smoking can make it worse. It’s really important to quit smoking if you’re dealing with anaemia.

Iron also supports your immune system. So, anything that alters your iron levels can lead to major health problems and make you more prone to illness.

In simple terms, smoking throws your iron levels off balance, and anaemia and smoking don’t go hand in hand. The 7,000 harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can seriously disrupt your iron balance and lead to long-term damage.

Other Effects of Iron Deficiency

If your iron levels don’t improve, your body will struggle to cope and may cause the following conditions – all of which can be greatly improved by quitting smoking.

Weaker Immune System: Iron is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Iron deficiency can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Increased Risk of Lung Complications: Smoking already poses a significant risk to lung health, and iron deficiency can worsen this condition. Insufficient iron delivered to the lungs can increase the symptoms of COPD and other critical lung illnesses.

Higher Risk of Heart Problems: As mentioned, your iron intake improves the transport of oxygen to the heart and other tissues. Poor iron levels will contribute to heart problems, aside from the other raised risk factors associated with smoking.

A High Risk of Complications Before and After Birth: We understand that smoking can be hard to quit even for pregnant women, but it’s important to know that iron deficiency in expectant mothers can lead to serious complications before and after childbirth. 

Mothers with low iron levels during pregnancy have a higher risk of preterm birth and possibly low birth weight, and developmental problems in the infant.

How to Improve Iron Levels If You Have Anemia After Quitting Smoking

If you are a smoker at risk of iron deficiency, it’s crucial to quit smoking and take steps to improve your iron levels. Here are some dietary choices that can help you maintain healthy iron levels:

Meat: Animal-based sources of iron, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, are rich in heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. 

Dark Leafy Vegetables: Foods like spinach, kale, and broccoli are good sources of non-heme iron. To enhance absorption, pair them with vitamin C-rich foods, which help the body absorb iron more efficiently, especially if you’re a motivated smoker on a quit journey and want to be healthier.

Iron-Fortified Foods: Many cereals, grains, and even some beverages are fortified with iron. These can be a useful addition to your everyday meals, especially if you have difficulty meeting your iron requirements through other sources. But keep in mind they should not make up the bulk of your daily diet.

Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and capsicum are excellent sources of vitamin C, which, as mentioned, is greatly important for increasing iron absorption.

Summary

Does smoking affect your iron levels? Yes, and it can also weaken your immune system and even lead to anemia. But, by quitting smoking and improving your diet, you can improve your blood levels and iron intake, helping you live a fuller and longer life.

If you’re struggling to quit smoking but want to have a healthier lifestyle, we can help you.

Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around! 

If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good.

Link Reference

• https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2017/acs-presspac-march-29-2017/how-to-measure-potentially-damaging-free-radicals-in-cigarette-smoke.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3261116/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14552668/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anemia-and-copd