Can Worms Cause Iron Deficiency

SUMMARY. The main parasites causing blood loss in man and leading to direct iron-deficiency anemia are the common worm infections. These include hookworm infection (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale); whipworm infection (Trichuris trichiura); and schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni, S.

Can intestinal worms cause low iron?

The most serious effects of hookworm infection are the development of anemia and protein deficiency caused by blood loss at the site of the intestinal attachment of the adult worms. When children are continuously infected by many worms, the loss of iron and protein can retard growth and mental development.

Can parasites affect iron absorption?

Intestinal parasitic infection, along with malnutrition are contributed to influence absorption, transportation, and metabolism of iron which is the most common etiology of anemia in school-age children.