Know More About Anemia

Anemia affects one-fourth of the world’s population, and iron deficiency is the predominant cause. Anemia is associated with chronic fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and diminished well-being. Iron deficiency anemia is also called as “microcytic hypochromic anemia”. In this condition, the red blood cells are small sized and they contain less haemoglobin. For the synthesis of haemoglobin, iron is necessary. The deficiency in this type of anemia is due to inadequate iron in food or due to incomplete absorption of iron.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia:

v Feeling tired and weak.

v Shortness of breath.

v Pale skin.

v Difficulty in maintaining body temperature.

v Decreased work and school performance.

v Tongue swelling or soreness.

v Rapid heart rate.

v Changed in stool color.

v Low blood pressure.

v Decreased immune function, which increases susceptibility to infection.

Causes of iron deficiency: Iron deficiency may occur due to:

v Excessive loss as in chronic haemorrhage.

v Dietary deficiency.

v Increased demand as in puberty and pregnancy.

v Defective absorption as in chronic diarrhoea.

v Internal bleeding.

Iron requirement: The daily iron requirements are as follows:

v 5 to 10 mg. for a normal male adult.

v 10 to 15 mg. for women till menopausal age.

v 15 to 20 mg. for women during pregnancy and lactation.

Category
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
CHILDREN
7-12 months
11 mg/day
1-3 years
7 mg/day
4-8 years
10 mg/day
9-13 years
8 mg/day
FEMALES
14-18 years
15 mg/day
19-50 years
18 mg/day
51 years and over
8 mg/day
Pregnant
27 mg/day
Breastfeeding
Under 19 years: 10 mg/day
19 years and over: 9 mg/day
MALES
14-18 years
11 mg/day
19 years and up
8 mg/day
Remedies for Anemia:

•    Increase the intake of vitamin c. The adequate dose of vitamin C can help you strengthen from within, as well as it also helps in the absorption of iron.

•    Beetroot or pomegranate juice acts as great blood builders and also blood purifiers. Pomegranates are rich in iron and also other minerals like copper and potassium.

•    Eating sesame seeds is another great way to increase your intake of iron, especially black sesame seeds.

•    Raisins and dates offer a combination of iron and vitamin C. This enables the body to absorb iron fast and effectively. It also boosts your energy level.

•    Folic acid (B-9) and cobalamin (B-12) can both help to reverse or prevent an iron-deficiency.

•    Dried kiwi is also a good source of iron. And highly recommended by the doctors.

•    Spinach juice has a very high content of essential nutrients. This helps in the creation of RBCs or red blood cells in your body.

Source: Pharmacyonnet