Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Anemia - Iron Deficiency Iron deficiency anemia is simply a decrease in the number of red blood cells caused by inadequate stores of iron in the body. Iron is the central component of hemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells that transports oxygen through the body. When the iron supply in the body is inadequate, hemoglobin production falls and anemia results. Causes This form of anemia is the most common. It is estimated to occur in 20% of non-pregnant, in 50% or pregnant women, and 3% of men. The main causes of the disease are inadequate iron in the diet, insufficient iron absorption during digestion, and abnormal blood loss. Women are particularly prone to developing the condition because of blood loss during menstrual cycles. Pregnancy is also associated with iron deficiency since the mother is producing blood cells for the fetus as well as for herself, thus increasing the demand for iron. Lactation also increases the need for iron, which is a component of breast milk. In women after menopause and in men, the most likely cause of iron deficiency anemia is blood loss in the digestive tract from conditions such as ulcers, colon polyps, or colon cancer or the use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. In children, lead poisoning can interfere with iron utilization and cause anemia. Children and adolescents sometimes become iron deficient during periods of accelerated growth, when demand for iron exceeds intake. Vegetarians who eat no animal products for a period of several years have an increase chance of developing iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms and Diagnosis Ironically, mild iron deficiency often causes no symptoms. If the disease is allowed to progress, symptoms appear, which include pallid skin, fatigue, irritability, weakness, shortness of breath, postural hypotension (low blood pressure on standing up), brittle nails, headache, and sore tongue. Some people develop cravings for nonfood items such as soil, clay, and ice, a condition called PICA. Children are likely to experience decreased appetite. Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed by blood tests that measure the amount of hemoglobin and iron in the blood. If the iron deficiency is thought to be the result of digestive tract bleeding, other tests may be preformed to identify the blooding site. Treatment and Prevention Iron deficiency anemia is treated by increasing dietary iron intake and by taking supplemental iron, typically in the form of ferrous sulfate. Iron rich foods include red meat, raisins, fish, egg yolks, liver, poultry, legumes (peas and beans), potatoes, and whole grains. Occasionally people with iron deficiency anemia are given supplemental iron by injection; in severe cases, blood transfusions may be given until the bone marrow can replace the blood that has been lost. In most cases the iron level in the blood comes up to normal in about 2 months. Therapy is continued for another 6 to 12 months to rebuild the stores of iron in the bone marrow. If bleeding from the digestive tract causes the anemia, the underlying condition needs to be treated to prevent continued blood loss. Iron deficiency anemia can be prevented by eating a healthy diet and taking iron supplements when at increased risk for the disease. Those at risk include menstruating women, pregnant women, and vegans. You should check with your doctor before you consider iron supplementation, especially during pregnancy.
* Keep track of the foods you eat and make sure they are high in iron, folic acid, or B-12 * Don’t drink caffeinated beverages with meals; caffeine interferes with iron absorption. The tannin in black tea (black tea is most often served at most restaurants) has the same effect. * Drinking citrus juices has the opposite effect from caffeinated beverages. Citrus juice drinks are high in vitamin C, which promotes iron absorption. * Consider taking a daily multivitamin. A daily multivitamin can help you maintain a healthful balance of vitamins and minerals. However, be sure to consult a doctor before taking iron supplements; excess amounts of iron in your system can be harmful. * Avoid excessive consumption of Alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can undercut proper nutrition and interfere with the digestive systems ability to absorb folic acid, necessary for the production of red blood cells.
Natural Supplements for Anemia
Increased Iron Absorption - AnemiCare is a safe, non-addictive, FDA- registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to temporarily increase iron absorption and hemoglobin levels needed for normal iron levels in the body Continue |
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| The Iron Facts About Spinach Spinach long thought by mothers and Popeye the sailer man as a great source of iron, is in fact an iron blocker. Technically speaking, the vegetable does contain a notable amount of iron. But like beet greens, lentils, butter beans and other leafy vegetables, spinach also contains phytate, a chemical that prevents iron from entering the blood stream. So if your iron count needs a boost, try eating liver, which is high in available iron. Or garnish your spinach with slices of orange, as citrus fruits contain vitamins and acids that counteract the effects of phytate and promote iron absorption. |