Sufferers of anaemia lack a sufficient amount of red blood cells which are used to carry oxygen throughout the body. Dietary iron deficiency anaemia occurs from a lack of iron. The condition is often referred to as low haemoglobin. Sufferers experience a great deal of fatigue, weakness and feeling short of breath.
The body uses iron to make haemoglobin which red blood cells use to transport oxygen and rid the body of carbon dioxide. The body stores iron within the haemoglobin. A third of iron is also found in the liver, bone marrow, and spleen.
Many things can lead to anaemia such as diets low in iron, body changes such as growth or pregnancy, gastrointestinal tract problems, and loss of blood.
The number one treatment for anaemia is iron supplements. However, the underlying cause of the anaemia must also be determined and may require separate medications.
Other types of iron supplements include ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and heme iron polypeptide. Iron supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections.
Iron supplements can take several weeks to increase the body’s iron stores and to improve symptoms of anaemia. It is important to continue taking the supplements as directed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure that the body’s iron stores are replenished fully.
The B vitamin can be obtained from animal products such as meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs. On occasion, some people may not get enough vitamin B12 through their diet or have difficulty absorbing it from food.
Vitamin B12 supplements are available over-the-counter and come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue. Vitamin B12 injections, also known as intramuscular injections, are given by a healthcare provider.
Vitamin B12 supplements or shots are typically recommended for people with anaemia. Taking vitamin B12 supplements or injections can help increase the body’s levels of vitamin B12, which can improve symptoms of anaemia, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
The use of blood transfusions can be life-saving for people with severe anaemia, as they provide an immediate increase in the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin in the recipient’s bloodstream.
It is important to take iron supplements as directed by your healthcare provider to ensure they are effective and to minimize any side effects. Iron supplements can cause stomach upset, constipation, nausea, and dark stools.
To reduce the likelihood of these side effects, it is recommended to take iron supplements with food and to avoid taking them with calcium supplements, antacids, or caffeine, which can reduce their absorption.
Iron supplements may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or peptic ulcers. Your healthcare provider will determine if iron supplements are suitable for you and which type and dosage are most appropriate.
Side effects of vitamin B12 may include nausea, diarrhoea, or allergic reactions. Rarely, high doses of vitamin B12 supplements or shots can lead to serious side effects, such as blood clots or heart failure. It is important to take vitamin B12 supplements or shots as directed by a healthcare provider to ensure they are effective and to minimize any side effects.
There are some risks associated with blood transfusions, including allergic reactions, infections, and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).
Dietary iron deficiency anaemia caused by iron deficiency is a common disorder that is usually easily treated with iron supplements and vitamin B12, once the cause of the anaemia has been determined and treated. In severe cases, a blood transfusion might be a necessary treatment followed by iron supplements. Sufferers of dietary iron deficiency are usually told to increase their dietary intake of iron by consuming iron-rich food such as red meats, seafood, beans, and iron-fortified cereals and breads.