Iron Deficiency Anemia

Posted by kapplak | March 24th, 2010 in Anemia | 1 Comment »

iron deficiency anemia

When the body has insufficient iron stores may suffer from iron deficiency anemia, which causes a decrease excessive red blood cell so that body tissues do not receive adequate oxygen.

This is the most common form of anemia, it is known that 20% of women of childbearing age, 50% of pregnant women and 3% of men have an iron deficiency.

As in a previous article we have discussed, this substance is obtained through foods and the use of old red blood cells. When iron deficiency blood oxygen transport is not necessary that triggers a cellular malfunction.

Causes of Iron Deficiency

  • Diet low in iron
  • Bleeding or very heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Poor absorption of this mineral
  • Lead Poisoning

This anemia appears when fully depleting the reserves of iron in the body and bone marrow, women are more prone to suffer from menstrual bleeding.

In men and women of adult gastrointestinal bleeding ulcers in combination with the excessive intake of aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some types of cancer may be causing this condition.

Risk Groups

  • Women of childbearing age
  • Pregnant and lactating
  • People growing children (babies, children and adolescents)
  • People with low dietary iron
  • Celiac and vegetarian

General Symptoms

  • Pallor
  • Chronic Fatigue and weakness
  • Irritability
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore tongue
  • Weak and brittle nails
  • Food cravings
  • Lack of hunger
  • Pain in the front of the head
  • Bluish color to the whites of the eyes

With a proper diet to ensure necessary quantities of iron, this condition is entirely preventable.


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One Response to “Iron Deficiency Anemia”

  1. You might have created my day with this publish. Thanks so much.

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