The most common cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin, part of red blood cells that carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product) from the body. Iron is mostly stored in the body in the hemoglobin. About one-third of iron is also stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver. Iron-deficiency anemia may
be caused by the following: Diets low in iron. Iron is obtained from foods in our diet; however, only 1 mg of iron is absorbed for every 10 to 20 mg of iron ingested. A person unable to have a balanced iron-rich diet may suffer from some degree of iron-deficiency anemia. Body changes. An increased iron requirement and increased red blood cell production is required when the body is going through changes, such as growth spurts in
children and adolescents, or during pregnancy and lactation. Gastrointestinal tract abnormalities. Malabsorption of iron is common after some forms of gastrointestinal surgeries. Most of the iron taken in by foods is absorbed in the upper small intestine. Any abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract could alter iron absorption and result in iron-deficiency anemia. Surgery or medications that stop stomach acid production will also decrease iron
absorption. Blood loss. Loss of blood can cause a decrease of iron and result in iron-deficiency anemia. Sources of blood loss may include GI bleeding, menstrual bleeding, or injury. The following are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Abnormal paleness or lack of color of
the skin Irritability Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue) Increased heart rate (tachycardia) Sore or swollen tongue Enlarged spleen A desire to eat peculiar substances such as dirt or ice (a condition called pica) The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. How is iron-deficiency anemia diagnosed?Iron-deficiency anemia may be suspected from general findings on a complete medical history and physical examination, such as complaints of tiring easily, abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin, or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin (number of red blood cells) present, and the amount of iron in the blood. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for iron-deficiency anemia may include the following:
Treatment for iron-deficiency anemiaSpecific treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will be determined by your doctor based on:
Treatment may include:
How does the body process iron?Iron is present in many foods and absorbed into the body through the stomach. During this process of absorption, oxygen combines with iron and is transported into the plasma portion of blood by binding to transferrin. From there, iron and transferrin are used in the production of hemoglobin, stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and utilized as needed by all body cells. The following is a list of foods that are good sources of iron. Always consult your doctor regarding the recommended daily iron requirements for your particular situation.
How do you treat low iron immediately?To treat iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements.. Take iron tablets on an empty stomach. If possible, take your iron tablets when your stomach is empty. ... . Don't take iron with antacids. ... . Take iron tablets with vitamin C. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron.. What caused low iron?There are many things that can lead to a lack of iron in the body. In men and post-menopausal women, the most common cause is bleeding in the stomach and intestines. This can be caused by a stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, bowel cancer, or by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How will I feel if my iron is low?tiredness and lack of energy. shortness of breath. noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations) pale skin.
What drink is high in iron?A. Juices like prune juice, beetroot juice, pumpkin juice and spinach juice are rich plant-based iron sources. They are also a powerhouse of various vitamins and minerals, which increase your body's healthy iron levels.
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