Did you know that iron deficiency anemia is considered as one of the most common forms of anemia in the Philippines? Local studies show that this type of anemia is one of the root causes of stunted growth in children and irreversible changes to fetal kidney and neural development. According to the same study, the recommended daily intake of iron for adults range from 12 to 28 mg, while pregnant/lactating women require more iron at 30-38 mg a day. The question remains: are you getting enough iron in your diet? Read more to find out.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
According to Mayo Clinic, iron deficiency anemia is a common condition wherein your blood lacks sufficient levels of oxygen that is needed for important bodily functions. Healthy red blood cells require healthy amounts of iron to carry out oxygen or hemoglobin to your body’s tissues. Suffering from this common type of anemia can leave you tired and short of breath if left untreated.
Symptoms
Many patients go about their lives not knowing that they are suffering from iron deficiency. You may dismiss the initial signs as a result of suffering from fatigue, but these symptoms can worsen over time. Early indications of IDA include:
- Feeling tired or fatigued most of the time
- Pale skin/complexion
- Cold hands and feet
- Nausea, headaches, lightheadedness
- Poor appetite (most common in younger patients)
- Brittle nails
- Chest pains, shortness of breath
Symptoms may also vary depending on the person and other existing medical conditions. It is important to immediately consult a doctor should you or any of your family members (most especially the elderly and children) suffer from any of the conditions listed above.
Causes
Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by a variety of both internal and external factors. Those who suffer from it mainly lack the needed amounts of iron in their bodies to produce hemoglobin which is an essential part of your red blood cells.
Hemoglobin gives your blood that rich red color that also enables it to evenly distribute oxygenated blood to body tissues. If your iron consumption is low or if you are losing too much iron, then your hemoglobin levels will be directly affected and can possibly result to iron deficiency anemia. Other probable causes of low iron levels include:
- Low-iron diet (vegetarians)
- Blood loss (heavy menstruation, internal bleeding, etc.)
- Pregnancy
- Other medical conditions (celiac disease)
Recommended diet
In order to boost your iron levels, here are some ingredients that you might want to consider adding to your daily diet:
- Red meat
- Green leafy vegetables
- Eggs
- Iron-enriched food (cereals, bread)
- Seafood
- Beans
On the other hand, consuming food that is rich in vitamin C like broccoli and citrus fruits can also help improve iron absorption, so keep this in mind on your next trip to the grocery.
Populations at risk for iron deficiency anemia include pregnant women, frequent blood donors, malnourished children and vegetarians. Having a healthy lifestyle may improve your iron levels. Your healthcare provider may prescribe iron supplements for you or your children that can help manage this condition. Always consult a doctor before taking any form of medication.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iron-deficiency-signs-symptoms
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamins
