Anaemia occurs when a person lacks a sufficient amount of red blood cells. The condition can result from an iron deficiency, which is an essential dietary mineral. When iron levels are low, the body can’t produce haemoglobin, an important protein in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is crucial for taking oxygen from the respiratory system and transporting it to the rest of the body. Fortunately, many iron deficiencies can be treated by eating more iron-rich food and taking supplements.
Symptoms of anaemia often start out mild and may be undetectable as a result. As the condition worsens, a person can experience:
Some people also develop strange cravings, which is a condition known as pica. Cravings usually focus on non-food, inedible items that lack nutritional value. This includes things like dirt, soap, starch, chalk, sand, and ice.
Efficient diagnosis and treatment of an anaemia-causing iron deficiency can help people avoid serious complications. Without medical intervention, the following issues may occur:
All signs of anaemia, no matter how mild, require evaluation by a doctor. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.
Iron deficiencies often result from a lack of iron in one’s diet. However, it can also occur due to blood loss, either from extremely heavy menstrual periods, ulcers, cancer, and other medical conditions. Some people are also unable to absorb iron from the foods they eat, which often accompanies celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder. Risk factors for iron deficiencies can include:
Children who are born prematurely or who have low birth weight when born also have a higher risk of iron deficiency, as do children who lack an iron-rich diet. This is because children need more iron to support their growth as they develop.
Blood testing can determine whether a person is deficient in iron. If the doctor suspects that internal bleeding is playing a role in the issue, they can also perform tests to check for things like ulcers, uterine fibroids, hernias, and other causes of internal bleeding.
If the problem results from an iron deficient diet, your doctor may recommend iron supplements. Adults and children can also avoid iron deficiency by eating iron-rich foods, which include:
If the problem is caused by an underlying health issue, treating the issue can help raise iron levels again. For instance, medication can be used to address ulcers or reduce a heavy menstrual flow.