Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which there is not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to

the body’s organs. As a result, symptoms like fatigue and weakness will occur and vary

depending on the cause and severity of anemia. There are a few other types of anemia,

although iron deficiency anemia is known to be the most common.

Anemia is the most common blood condition within the United States. This condition affects

more than two billion people globally, which is more than 30% of the total population.

What causes anemia?

The most common cause of anemia is having low levels of iron in the body. Your body needs

iron to make hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color and is responsible for carrying

oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

The three main causes of anemia are derived from blood loss, insufficient red blood cell

production, and an influx of red blood cell destruction. Other conditions that may lead to

anemia include heavy menstrual cycles, pregnancy, ulcers, celiac diseasae, and a diet

deficient in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12.

How to treat iron-deficiency anemia?

A balanced diet can help to prevent some types of anemia. Eat foods high in iron to prevent

this deficiency. Iron from food comes in two forms, heme and non-heme. When vitamin C

and non-heme iron are taken at the same meal, it increases iron absorption.

The body is able to absorb two to three times more heme iron which is found only in animal

products like:

Turkey
Lean beef

Oysters
Liver

Sardines
Chicken

On the other hand, non-heme iron is found in plant foods such as:

Beans and lentils Dark green leafy greens

Cashews Enriched cereals

Pumpkin seeds Whole-grains

Tofu