How is iron deficiency anemia treated?

• A. Iron supplements
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Blood transfusion
• D. Folate injections

Answer: (A)

Rebuilding iron stores is the main idea in treating iron deficiency anemia. The best answer is iron supplements, which are the first-line therapy to replenish the body's iron and restore normal red blood cell production over a period of weeks to months. Vitamin C can aid iron absorption, but taking it alone won’t correct the deficiency; it’s supportive and not a standalone treatment. Blood transfusion is reserved for emergencies or when anemia is life-threatening and rapid correction is needed, not as routine management for iron deficiency. Folate injections address folate deficiency anemia, not iron deficiency, so they don’t treat this condition. In addition to iron therapy, uncovering and addressing the cause of iron loss is important and response is monitored over time.