Anaemia | Iron Deficiency

Anaemia is a serious condition with extremely dibilitating symptoms. However, unless an underlying condition exists that is prohibiting the body from absorbing iron sufficiently, the condition can be easily be cured with supplements and nutrition.

What is it?

Iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body does not get enough iron. Iron is the main ingredient in hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin. As a result, muscles get less oxygen and energy is reduced. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs more often in women than in men.

What Happens?

Symptoms include: feeling weak or tired, headaches, hair loss, feeling out of breath after regular physical activity, upset stomach, pale skin, rapid pulse, loss of sexual desire, and loss of appetite.

However, these symptoms are quite general and could mean a number of different problems. Therefore, if you have these symptoms persistently, you should call your doctor for advice. You should not take iron pills without talking with a doctor first. Taking too much iron can actually be unhealthy and cause long-term negative effects.

Why does it happen?

Because iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, iron deficiency is a common cause of anaemia. Iron deficiency can occur as a result of:

- Blood loss from disorders of the digestive tract

- Blood loss from excessive menstrual bleeding

- Dietary deficiency of iron

- Increased need for iron, as in pregnancy or periods of rapid growth

Can I stop it?

There are some changes that you can make in your diet that will often correct iron deficiency anaemia or prevent it from happening. These changes include:

- eating more iron-rich meats, such as liver,

- eating dark green, leafy vegetables,

- eating foods like: kidney beans, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, sunflower

- seeds, lentils, walnuts, parsley, almonds, and oats. A healthy

- serving size of these foods is around 4 ounces; and finally,

- eating more vitamin C, which can be found in citrus fruits.

However, eating well may not be enough to give you the iron you need. If this is the case, your physician may prescribe iron pills to add to the iron you get from foods. By changing your diet and, if necessary, taking vitamins and iron pills, the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can disappear within 6 weeks. However, it may take up to one year to fully replace the iron stored in the body. So remember to continue eating healthy so that iron deficiency anaemia will not happen again. Iron deficiency anaemia may be prevented by eating the iron-rich foods mentioned earlier.

Should I see a doctor?

The symptoms for anaemia are similar to those of many other conditions. A doctor’s advice should be sought to eliminate other conditions and for the treatment of anaemia.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult with your physician if you are in any way concerned about your health.

Revised May 30 2002