Adult men can, and do become iron deficient but not nearly as much as women and children, for obvious reasons: no monthly cycle. Iron deficiency can still cause major health problems for those men who are iron deficient (only about 3% in the UK*).
In men, the loss of iron can come from several areas but similarly to women the most common cause for iron deficiency is bleeding.
Whilst for women iron deficiency is largely contributed by the monthly cycle for men it often signifies an underlying medical condition. The source of bleeding has to be detected by a doctor; it can potentially come from peptic ulcers or haemorrhoids.
Many men may not be aware they are bleeding if the bleeding occurs internally. Because iron deficiency in men is not as common as with women, their symptoms may not be related to iron deficiency at first. If you are suffering under the common symptoms of iron deficiency please refer to your doctor for a full blood test.
*Ruston D, Hoare J, Henderson L, et al (2004) The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19-64 years. Volume 4: Nutritional status (anthropometry and blood analytes), blood pressure and physical activity. The Stationery Office. London.
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