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Guide to Iron Deficiency Anaemia

What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common blood disorder caused when there isn’t enough iron in the body. When there isn’t enough iron which is required to create haemoglobin, the rest of the body can’t get the oxygen it needs. While the condition is vastly prevalent, many people aren’t unaware they have iron deficiency anaemia. Even though they continue to experience symptoms, their condition can go ignored for years.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia In India

In India, the prevalence of anaemia in men aged 15 to 49 years is 25%, while in women of the same age group, it is 57%. As per the review conducted by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), it was found that iron deficiency anaemia was the main reason behind the health burden for the past decade in India. In women of reproductive age, the reason for iron deficiency anaemia was a loss of blood during menstruation, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and certain diseases like those pertaining to the intestine.

Here, we look deeper at the symptoms, causes and treatment options for iron deficiency anaemia.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Initially, the symptom of iron deficiency anaemia can be very mild and might even go unnoticed. The best way to conclude this is to run a blood test. The moderate to severe symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can range from fatigue to irregular heartbeat

Causes for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron is a vital component of red blood cells. Without it, blood cannot efficiently transport oxygen to other parts of the body. The body typically repurposes iron from old red blood cells or obtains it freshly from one’s diet.

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when the iron stored in the body runs low. This occurs due to:

Bleeding causes loss of iron. The main reasons for bleeding are:

The body can be incapable of absorbing iron which can have an underlying condition:

Risk Groups for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Everyone is highly susceptible to developing iron-deficiency anaemia. Below are some risk groups for this condition:

Babies inherit their iron stores from their mothers, who carried them in their wombs for nine months, nurturing them with low nutrition. If the mother is iron deficient, the child is likely to become one, too, unless they are made to drink iron-fortified formula along with breastmilk.

Young children who only drink cow’s milk may not get sufficient quantities of iron. The child’s diet should be supplemented with fortified cow milk formula.

Growth spurts are often the reason why iron reserves end up getting exhausted quickly.

Older people do not get as much iron as needed because their meal portions tend to reduce with age.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

According to healthcare providers and experts, the most effective way to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia is through blood tests and bone marrow biopsy (in some cases). The standard blood test for screening is a complete blood count (CBC). Additional tests to find out the underlying causes as prescribed by your doctor may be:

Intravenous (IV iron) and blood transfusion are some of the other treatment options if severe iron deficiency anaemia is identified in a patient. 

Foods for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

One of the easiest ways to correct iron deficiency anaemia on a personal level is to change your diet plan. You should chart out a meal plan that focuses more on iron-rich foods. These include but are not limited to the following:

Fruits & VegetablesNuts & SeedsMeat & FishBeans & Pulses
Citrus fruitsPistachiosLiverChickpea
BroccoliPine nutsTunaPinto beans
Red & yellow peppersSunflower seedsSalmonBlack beans
SpinachHemp seedsSardinesPeas
WatermelonCashewsChickenKidney beans
PomegranatePumpkin seedsRed meatSoybeans
RaisinsSquash seedsEgg 
Dried apricots   

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anaemia can become serious if it is left unaddressed for a long time. It can end up increasing your risk of developing complications that affect the lungs or heart. Further, it can cause headaches, fatigue, restless leg syndrome, pregnancy complications and developmental delays in children. The ideal way of managing iron deficiency anaemia is to follow the treatment prescribed while also consuming iron micro supplements and a diet rich in iron along with vitamin C-enriched foods that help in proper iron absorption in the body.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Sources:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia

https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1795421

https://www.nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Control-of-Iron-Deficiency-Anaemia.pdf

https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency

5

Guide to Iron Deficiency Anaemia

What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency, also known as anaemia, is a common blood disorder caused when there isn’t enough iron in the blood. When there isn’t enough iron which is required to create haemoglobin, the rest of the body can’t get the oxygen it needs. While the condition is vastly prevalent, many people aren’t unaware they have iron deficiency anaemia. Even though they continue to experience symptoms, their condition can go ignored for years.

In India, the prevalence of anaemia in men aged 15 to 49 years is 25%, while in women of the same age group, it is 57%. As per the review conducted by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), it was found that iron deficiency anaemia was the main reason behind the health burden for the past decade in India. In women of reproductive age, the reason for iron deficiency anaemia was a loss of blood during menstruation, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and certain diseases like those pertaining to the intestine.

Here, we look deeper at the symptoms, causes and treatment options for iron deficiency anaemia.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Initially, the symptom of iron deficiency anaemia can be very mild and might even go unnoticed. The best way to conclude this is to run a blood test. The moderate to severe symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can range from fatigue to irregular heartbeat

·       Weakness

·       Paleness of skin

·       Dizziness

·       Shortness of breath

·       Cravings to consume items with zero nutritional value, such as ice, clay or carbs

·       Soreness or swelling of the tongue

·       Cold hands and feet

·       Irregular or rapid heartbeat

·       Crawling or tingling feeling in the legs

Causes for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron is a vital component of red blood cells. Without it, blood cannot efficiently transport oxygen to other parts of the body. The body typically repurposes iron from old red blood cells or obtains it freshly from one’s diet.

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when the iron stored in the body runs low. This occurs due to:

Bleeding causes loss of iron. The main reasons for bleeding are:

The body can be incapable of absorbing iron which can have an underlying condition:

Risk Groups for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Everyone is highly susceptible to developing iron-deficiency anaemia. Below are some risk groups for this condition:

Babies inherit their iron stores from their mothers, who carried them in their wombs for nine months, nurturing them with low nutrition. If the mother is iron deficient, the child is likely to become one, too, unless they are made to drink iron-fortified formula along with breastmilk.

Young children who only drink cow’s milk may not get sufficient quantities of iron. The child’s diet should be supplemented with fortified cow milk formula.

Growth spurts are often the reason why iron reserves end up getting exhausted quickly.

Older people do not get as much iron as needed because their meal portions tend to reduce with age.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

According to healthcare providers and experts, the most effective way to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia is through blood tests. The standard blood test for screening is a complete blood count (CBC). Additional tests to find out the underlying causes as prescribed by your doctor may be:

Intravenous (IV iron) and blood transfusion are some of the other treatment options if severe iron deficiency anaemia is identified in a patient. 

Foods for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

One of the easiest ways to correct iron deficiency anaemia on a personal level is to change your diet plan. You should chart out a meal plan that focuses more on iron-rich foods. These include but are not limited to the following:

Fruits & VegetablesNuts & SeedsMeat & FishBeans & Pulses
Citrus fruitsPistachiosLiverChickpea
BroccoliPine nutsTunaPinto beans
Red & yellow peppersSunflower seedsSalmonBlack beans
SpinachHemp seedsSardinesPeas
WatermelonCashewsChickenKidney beans
PomegranatePumpkin seedsRed meatSoybeans
RaisinsSquash seedsEgg 
Dried apricots   

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anaemia can become serious if it is left unaddressed for a long time. It can end up increasing your risk of developing complications that affect the lungs or heart. Further, it can cause headaches, fatigue, restless leg syndrome, pregnancy complications and developmental delays in children. The ideal way of managing iron deficiency anaemia is to follow the treatment prescribed while also consuming iron micro supplements and a diet rich in iron along with vitamin C-enriched foods that help in proper iron absorption in the body.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

3

Anaemia – How Pomegranates Can Help?

According to a report, more than half of Indian women and about 3/4th of Indian children suffer from Anaemia. What is startling in the data available is not how widespread the disease is but that it has nothing to do with one’s socioeconomic status and is found across all sections of society. Advanced countries such as the US also have a high percentage of the anaemic population.

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a lack of haemoglobin in your blood. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to all parts of the body and is vital for healthy functioning. Anaemia is also characterised by an unhealthy count of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The threshold after which a person (children, adults, and pregnant women) are considered anaemic are –

 Anaemia
PopulationNon-anaemicMildModerateSevere
Children 6 to 59 months old110 or above100-109 70-99Below 70
Children 5 to 11 years old115 or above110-11480-109Below 80
Children 12 to 14 years old120 or above110-11980-109Below 80
Women older than 15 years120 or above110-11980-109Below 80
Pregnant women110 or above100-10970-99Below 70
Men older than 15 years130 or above110-12980-109Below 80

The following three are the leading causes of Anaemia-

Loss of blood: Chronic loss of blood due to internal or external injury and bleeding, childbirth, certain illnesses, menstruation, etc. leads to Anaemia.

Increased demand for iron: The body requires more iron during pregnancy, growth spurts in childhood and adolescence.

Decreased production of haemoglobin/RBCs: This occurs in conditions such as after an operation, bone marrow, stem cell problems, diarrhoea or thalassemia.

Anaemia causes fatigue and tiredness, retarded growth in children amongst other issues.

Read More: 9 Anaemia Symptoms & Signs To Watch Out For

Pomegranates, when consumed with iron-rich foods such as liver, green leafy vegetables, lentils and tofu, will help in anaemia, not when consumed alone.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Factors that may increase your chances of developing anaemia

Several factors need to be weighed in while talking about anaemia. Some of these factors cannot be helped while others are very much in our control. To have a better idea, here are some of the factors that can increase your risk of catching anaemia:

At home, you can have pomegranate for anaemia as the fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals. A detailed list of benefits are given below, so read on to find out more!

Also read: Health Benefits and Precautions: Can You Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

How can pomegranates help?

Pomegranate is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, fibre, potassium, and protein. Although there are many other fruits with higher iron content, pomegranate is highly recommended for anaemia. This is because pomegranate is rich in vitamin C.

Our bodies generally absorb only 3% of the iron consumed. This is because our gut does not readily absorb iron. The high content of vitamin C in pomegranate helps our bodies to absorb the iron present in the fruit as vitamin C, which is integral to iron metabolism. Regular consumption of pomegranate helps to increase haemoglobin levels and fight anaemia.

Avoiding certain foods along with pomegranate is recommended. Chocolates, spinach, tea, coffee, and alcohol have compounds in them that inhibit the absorption of iron. Keep at least a 30-minute gap between these foods and pomegranate consumption for maximal iron absorption.

A small bowl or around 100 gms of this tangy-sweet fruit every day helps to fight iron deficiency by maximizing iron absorption.

Read More: Home Remedies For Anaemia

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

18
1

Health Risks Of Anaemia – Know The Different Signs & Symptoms

The fact that more than 2 billion people around the world suffer from anaemia may shock you. But did you know that this disorder is easily curable if it is identified in its early stages? Now you might be wondering how you can figure out if you have this disease and you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help. Read all about the different signs, symptoms and types of anaemia, so that you know when it is the right time to see a doctor about it.

What is Anaemia?

Scientifically speaking, anaemia is a condition of the body where the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are either inadequate in number or unhealthy (do not have enough haemoglobin in them). Haemoglobin is a crucial component of RBCs and carries oxygen to all the cells of the body. As a result, people with anaemia have low levels of oxygen throughout their bodies.

This condition can seriously hamper healthy body functioning since oxygen in the blood is critical to keeping your organs healthy. The good news is, anaemia triggers some distinct symptoms. To know if a person is anaemic, just look out for these signs and symptoms to facilitate early diagnosis and recovery. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia

Since anaemia can happen to anyone and is not restricted to any sex or age group, it is best that everyone should monitor themselves regularly for the appearance of these primary signs and symptoms of anaemia:

Types of Anaemia

To be able to better understand the significance and severity of these warning signs, you need to know what are the different types of anaemia. Based on the classification as per the causes, there can be as many as 8 to 9 different types of anaemia.  

Adults and children especially with severe anaemia may be at risk of developing complications that affect their heart or lungs. For example, you may develop tachycardia, which is an abnormally fast heartbeat, or heart failure, where the heart fails to pump enough blood around your body at the right pressure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

1. Anaemia Due to the Destruction of RBCs

RBCs contain haemoglobin that is responsible for carrying oxygen. This oxygen is supplied to all parts of the body through the RBCs and when RBCs are destroyed, it leads to a severe lack of oxygenation in the body. Destruction of RBCs can happen because of many reasons, but 2 prominent reasons for it are:

Hemolytic Anaemia (Non-Immune)Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia
Like all cells, RBCs have a specific lifetime in the bloodstream, after which they are destroyed. However, when RBCs are destroyed before the completion of their lifespan (prematurely), this leads to Hemolytic anaemia. Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia occurs when antibodies in the immune system destroy RBCs. This happens when the immune system mistakes RBCs as unwanted foreign particles.

2. Anaemia Due to Excess Bleeding

Anaemia is characterised by the loss of RBCs and this can be not only due to the destruction of RBCs but also the loss of blood. This can happen due to excessive blood loss during menstruation in women (Menorrhagia) or due to piles and internal bleeding in both men and women.

3. Anaemia Due to Nutritional Deficiencies

Certain micronutrients like Vitamin C are known to catalyse the absorption of iron in the body. When there is a dearth of minerals like Iron and vitamins like C, B9 and B12, this can also lead to anaemia. Such anaemia is usually called Pernicious and Iron Deficiency Anaemia.  

4. Anaemia Due to Drug Toxicity

It occurs when the body’s immune system responds to a particular medicine (or drug) and begins to attack the RBCs. This is also known as drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anaemia. It results in the breakdown of RBCs (known as hemolysis) and therefore leads to anaemia.  

5. Anaemia Due to Worm Infestations

Anaemia can also occur as a result of hookworm infestation in the gut. Hookworms can reside inside the body (endoparasites) and leech off of your nutrition. However, this can cause internal bleeding which in turn often leads to anaemic conditions.

6. Anaemia Due to Bone Marrow Disorders

RBCs are made inside the red bone marrow and when your bone marrow fails to produce enough RBCs, this leads to anaemic conditions. This type of anaemia is often referred to as aplastic anaemia.  

7. Hereditary or Acquired Anaemia

There may be certain hereditary defects in your RBCs that could lead to the formation of abnormal haemoglobin. This type of haemoglobin reduces the lifespan of RBCs which means your RBCs are destroyed prematurely. Eg: sickle cell anaemia (the shape of RBC is like a sickle), thalassemia.

8. Anaemia Due to Other Diseases

Anaemic conditions may also occur as comorbidities with other diseases. For example, diseases like chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, etc may sometimes cause anaemia as well (mostly due to insufficient absorption of iron, B9 and B12 by the body).

9. Anaemia Due to Unknown Causes

In cases where no correctable causes for anaemia can be found. Although this condition is very rare, this type of anaemia (idiopathic anaemia) is still undergoing a lot of research and clinical testing.

Key Takeaways

Also Read: What Causes High Red Blood Cell Count: Insights Into Hematological Disorders

Conclusion

With knowledge of all the possible signs and symptoms, you may now have some idea about when it is the right time to consult a doctor. Nevertheless, it is always safer to consult your nearest healthcare practitioner and follow the suggested treatment and dietary modifications. This will empower you with good health and keep save you from serious complications that may follow with untreated anaemia.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

3

Why An Iron-Rich Diet May Not Be Enough In Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Should you be worried about iron deficiency? Well, iron deficiency can indeed trigger a bunch of health disorders. But the good news is, you don’t have to lose sleep over it! Why? Because iron deficiency can easily be cured with timely intervention. This means, with early detection and adhering to your doctor’s instructions, you will be able to overcome iron deficiency anaemia in no time and resume a perfectly healthy and active lifestyle.

What is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Studies have revealed that there are few foods and beverages that are high in nutrients but may hinder the absorption of iron by your body and result in iron deficiency in the body. The tannins found in tea, coffee, and wine block the absorption of iron by getting coupled with it and expelling it from the body. Wholegrains like bran include phytates and fibres that might hinder the absorption of minerals like iron. Due to its role in releasing iron from storage, vitamin A deficiency can result in iron insufficiency.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

What are the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron Deficiency Anaemia might have several underlying causes but they can all be grouped under 3 broad categories.

1. Reduced Intake of Iron

2. Poor Absorption of Iron

3. Excessive Loss of Blood

In a few cases, even a diet rich in iron content may not be enough to curb iron deficiency in iron deficiency anaemia. One such case is the increased requirement for iron when one is expecting a baby or nursing. The body requires extra iron in such cases. If this increased need is not satisfied, iron deficiency may develop very fast.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Unfortunately, there are not many home remedies and self-management methods in the case of iron deficiency anaemia. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) iron supplements as well as Folic Acid supplements, as an addition to your daily diet.

Tips & Precautions of Taking Iron Supplements

TipsPrecautions
Ensure that you take the iron supplement regularly as per the dosage and complete the entire course of medication for long-term benefits.If you experience unwanted side effects like gastritis, vomiting or nausea, you need not stop the treatment but seek medical advice at the earliest. (Your doctor may advise you of suitable alternatives.)
Most of these iron supplement tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 – 2 hours before meals for better absorption. A glass of orange juice, tomato salad or any citrus fruit when taken along with iron supplements, enhance their absorption.
Remember to eat foods that are rich in iron, vitamins, proteins, minerals, etc along with these iron supplements for a more comprehensive health benefit.Moreover, do not take iron supplements with tea, coffee, milk or calcium tablets (they hamper the absorption of iron). 
You can add green leafy vegetables, raisins, whole pulses, jaggery, poultry, fish, meat, fruits, black gram, groundnuts, milk, eggs and other nuts for a more balanced diet.In case of constipation, drink lots of water and consider adding a source of roughage (like a vegetable salad and whole fruits) to your diet.
In some cases, patients may not be able to absorb an adequate amount of iron from these supplements and for such people, intravenous iron infusions may be prescribed. When seeking intravenous iron infusions, you should always have it done in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. Since there may be a risk of developing life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, a doctor usually administers a test dose at first.

Key Takeaways

Conclusion

With sufficient awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, you can recognise the warning signs at home and seek timely treatment. Since there is no specific age for this ailment, it is all the more important that you eat healthily and exercise regularly to prevent its onset in the first place.

Also Read: How to Increase Iron Levels Quickly: Effective Strategies Backed by Research

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

17

Feeling Tired All The Time? You Could Be Iron Deficient

Iron deficiency in our body means low levels of iron in our body. This deficiency will lead to a reduced number of specific cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This implies that inadequate iron would lead to insufficient oxygen for the body. Therefore, one may continuously feel tired even without physical exertion along with shortness of breath.

Initially, with mild iron deficiency one may not find significant symptoms, however, as the deficiency progresses one may note symptoms like loss of appetite, weakness, pale skin, headache, dizziness, cold hands and feet, sore tongue, easily breaking nails, craving for strange things like ice, dirt, starch. If you notice any of these symptoms without a reasonable cause, you should consult your doctor for medical advice.

You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency can cause you to have unusual cravings for non-food items such as ice, dirt or paper.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Read More: Signs & Symptoms of Anaemia

Iron deficiency is more common but not necessarily limited to women, premature children, vegetarians if the consumed diet does not compensate for the same and people who donate blood more frequently.

There are several reasons why iron deficiency may occur like loss of blood, pregnancy, iron-deficient diet or specific disease conditions of the digestive system which do not allow adequate absorption of iron from the food. Hence, it is essential that one seeks medical advice to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Iron deficiency may be prevented by consuming more iron-rich foods like dried raisins, chicken, fish, beans, green leafy vegetables and many more. Vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron from food. So include citrus fruits like oranges, muskmelon, watermelon, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes in your diet.

Also Read: How to Increase Iron Levels Quickly: Effective Strategies Backed by Research

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute fairly common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.