The red blood cells that are produced are abnormally small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). Hypochromic microcytic anemia with iron overload can lead to pale skin (pallor), tiredness (fatigue), and slow growth.

Hypochromia means that the red blood cells have less color than normal when examined under a microscope.

In treating cases of hypochromic anemia, either available iron salts or foods rich in iron may be used. But the value of food iron is essen tially preventative. After the iron reserve has become exhausted, it is difficult to replenish it with food alone.

%Hypo < 5% is considered normal. Two different criteria, more specifically, %Hypo > 5% and >10% have been used. %Hypo > 10%, has been more commonly used for defining absolute iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency [18].