WHAT IS ANAEMIA ?
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where there’s a lack of iron in the body leads thus reducing the number of red blood cells. These red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, that is why if you suffer from anaemia your breath is shortened, you feel dizzy, general fatigue and have irregular heartbeats.
Your body needs iron to make a protein called haemoglobin. This protein is responsible for carrying the oxygen to your body’s tissues, which is essential for your muscles to function effectively.
WHAT CAUSES IRON DEFICIENCY
1- The most common, not getting enough of iron intake from your foods, over time this can cause a shortage in your body.
2- Pregnancy (blood loss during childbirth) or blood loss due to menstruation are the most common causes of iron deficiency in women.
3- Internal bleeding such as ulcer in your stomach, colon cancer and so on may lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Also taking pain killers regularly may cause internal bleeding, that will lead to iron deficiency as well.
4- Your body is unable to absorb iron
WHO IS AT RISK FOR IRON DEFICIENCY
Anaemia is common with both sexes of any age and from any ethnic group. But of course some people may be at higher risk, these include :
women with heavy menstruation, pregnant women, people with poor diets, people who donate blood frequently, children and infants, vegetarians and vegans who don't replace the protein of meat with another iron rich food.
If you feel that you or a member of your family is at risk of iron deficiency, contact your doctor, and make the right diet changes that are more beneficial.
By : Dina Al Garf