Iron deficiency anemia affects >1.2 billions individuals worldwide, making it the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia. It is a health condition that occurs when there is a shortage or lack of adequate healthy red blood cells. This type of anemia is often associated with insufficiency of iron which is necessary for the production of an essential substance in the red blood cells which enables them to carry oxygen(hemoglobin).
What Are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency?
In some people, iron deficiency can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But the more deficient the body gets in iron, and the anemia progresses, the more the signs and symptoms intensify. Some of these symptoms include:
· Extreme fatigue
· Pale skin
· Cold hands and feet
· Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
· Dizziness
· Bruises
· Chills
· Brittle nails
· Unusual cravings for non-nutritious substances
· Poor appetite
What Are the Common Causes?
· Inadequate consumption of iron-rich foods
· Internal bleeding
· Pregnancy or blood loss due to menstruation
· The inability of the body to absorb iron is sometimes due to helicobacter pylori infection, having had gastrointestinal surgery, or intestinal or digestive condition.
· Genetics
· Endometriosis
Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia is one health condition that can happen to anyone irrespective of age, gender, and/or ethnicity. However, some people might be more susceptible to iron deficiency. They include:
· Women of childbearing age
· People with poor diets
· Pregnant women
· Vegetarians who fail to replace meat with another iron-rich food.
· Adults over 65 years
· People with greater exposure to lead in their water and environment
· High-performance and endurance athletes.
· Infants and children, especially those who are born prematurely.
What Are Some Complications?
· Rapid Or Irregular Heartbeat: When you are anemic, your heart takes on the responsibility of pumping more blood to make up for the lack or low amount of oxygen. This often leads to irregular heartbeat. This can lead to heart failure or an enlarged heart.
· Pregnancy Complications: In severe cases of iron deficiency, a child may be born prematurely. However, the intake of iron supplements as part of prenatal care can help prevent this from happening.
· Stunted Growth in Infants and Children: Infants and children who are severely iron deficient may experience delays in their growth and development. Also, they may be prone to infections.
How is Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?
Effective detection and diagnosis can be done by a medical health practitioner using the following tests:
a) Complete Blood Count Test (CBC): A complete blood count is often the first test a doctor will use. This test calculates the number of cell-related components in the blood, including platelets, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
b) Tests For Internal Bleeding: One test you may be required to undergo is the Fecal occult test. This test detects blood in your feces. In some cases, Endoscopy may be required.
How is Iron Deficiency Anemia Prevented?
Oftentimes, inadequate consumption of iron-rich food can be prevented by eating sufficient iron-rich foods and vitamin C.How is Iron Deficiency treated or reversed?
Some providers recommend taking iron supplements if you are iron deficient. Know however that several forms of iron is not absorbed well and remains in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in digestive tract disorders to include constipation and GI upset.
TOP IRON containing foods
Dark leafy green veggies (spinach, broccoli, collard greens)
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna)
Crustaceans (shrimp and crab)
Nuts (pecans, walnuts, pistachios, roasted almonds)
Fruits (Strawberries, Figs)
Garbanzo bean
Dark chocolate
Goat cheese
Moringa
Eggs
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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