Could Low Iron Cause Enlarged Lymph Nodes?

Posted on Fri, 2 Dec 2022

Question: Hi, thanks in advance for reading. I have been a vegan for about a year now. In the last few weeks I have noticed that I have symptoms of iron deficiency- fatigue, confusion etc. I have been taking iron tablets for the last 12 days and am feeling better. More worryingly though I have enlarged lymph nodes in my groin. I did see a doctor over the weekend and she thought that I was probably ok but to keep an eye on them. I think I would like a second opinion though. Could low iron cause enlarged lymph nodes?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is most likely due to iron deficiency anaemia.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

If you are vegan chances of vitamin B12 deficiency is also there along with iron deficiency anaemia. It may further cause fatigue. Get your vitamin b12 levels.

Lymph nodes enlargement usually not occur in iron deficiency anemia but it could be due to infection due to low immunity caused by iron deficiency anaemia. So get your blood examination and keep watch on other symptoms like weight loss, appetite loss and fever etc.

Hope you found this useful, feel free to ask more information.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj