Did you know that it is possible to experience symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia for years without knowing the cause?
Haemoglobin in the red blood cells is responsible for transporting oxygen in your tissues. When the level of these haemoglobin becomes very low, the resultant effect is referred to as anaemia.
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body. Iron deficiency in most women is as a result of blood loss during menstruation and pregnancy.
Other causes of iron deficiency anaemia can result from the poor diet as a result of not eating enough food containing iron or some intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, celiac and Crohn’s disease making it difficult for your intestines to absorb iron. Iron deficiency can also result from blood loss through peptic ulcers, uterine fibroids, and heavy menstruation. Stomach bleeding can also cause iron-deficiency anaemia as a result of regular use and dependence on aspirin purchased over the counter for pain relief.
How much iron we require depends on age and gender. In adult men over 18years old, about 8.7mg per day; 14.8mg in women age 19-50years and 8.7mg in women over 50years of age.
The symptoms experienced with iron deficiency anaemia include;
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- headaches
- tingling in the legs
- swollen tongue
Diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia is completed by your doctor based on presenting symptoms and full blood count (FBC) test which provides the number of red blood cells and also detects other types of anaemia such as vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
Treatment is usually commenced once your doctor has the results of your blood test and they can confirm that your red blood cell count is low. Iron supplements purchased over the counter in pharmacy are not as strong as the recommended iron tablets from your doctor. It is also recommended that a drink of orange juice helps to your body to absorb iron tablets and you should take them approximately for a period of six months. It is also recommended that you take iron tablets with food to minimise possible side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, coloured poo (black) and feeling sick.
Iron deficiency can be prevented by consuming food rich in iron and vitamin C. Such food rich in iron are;
- meat such as beef, pork, liver, chicken, turkey
- pulses such as beans, peas
- leafy green vegetables such as broccoli
- eggs
- seafood such as shrimps, oysters
- fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, kiwis, mangoes, tomatoes, melons, pineapple which are also good sources of vitamin C
It is highly recommended that you avoid consuming a large amount of tea, coffee, milk and dairy which can affect the absorption of iron from food and supplemental iron. It is strongly recommended that you avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs purchased over the counter, speak to your doctors when you have symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.
It is highly recommended that symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are discussed with your doctor at an early stage as self-diagnosis and treatment may cause further adverse health effects. Iron deficiency anaemia if left untreated,
- can affect your immune system thereby putting you at risk of illness and infection.
- can put you and your baby at risk of complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.
- can cause complications of the heart and lungs.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that contents of Pharmahealthtalk health advice and healthy tips are no substitute for any advice recommended by your doctor or other healthcare professionals. Always seek a medical opinion for your health conditions.
REFERENCES
- https://www.healthline.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iron-deficiency-anemia#1