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Iron Deficiency
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Iron deficiency
anemia is reduction either in the number of red cells or the iron content of
red blood cells. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which is the
pigment that can transport oxygen to different tissues of the body and at
the same time imparts red color to blood.
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- Lack of iron in the diet
- Malabsorption or poor absorption of iron by the body such as crohn's disease,
celiac sprue
- Pregnancy - increased demand due to developing fetus
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Lead poisoning
- Medications like Prilosec, Aciphex, which are used to suppress the acid
production by the stomach. Stomach acid
is
needed
to convert dietary
iron into a form that can readily be absorbed by the small intestine.
- Gastrointestinal blood loss associated ulcers, bleeding esophageal varices,
cancer of esophagus, stomach or colon, long term aspirin use
- Bone marrow suppression due to cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Bone marrow suppression due to long term exposure to X-rays.
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- Skin paleness
- Excessive tiredness and weakness
- Irritability
- Shortness of breath
- Cracks or sores (angular stomatitis) in the sides of your mouth
- Sore tongue
- Brittle nails
- Unusual food cravings such as ice, dirt, paint etc.
- Poor appetite
- Headache
- Susceptibility to cold, flu and other viral infections.
- Uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs that is usually
relieved by moving or massaging them.
- Tingling or numbness of fingers and toes
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Untreated and longstanding iron deficiency anemia can lead to rapid and irregular
heartbeat and palpitations. The heart muscle may become weak and damaged due
to chronic lack of oxygen. Angina or chest pains may occur due to narrowing
of the coronary arteries. The heart has to pump harder to meet the body's demand
for oxygen and can eventually result in congestive cardiac failure and enlargement
of the left side of the heart. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can be linked
with low birth weight of the baby or premature birth. The cause of iron deficiency
in elderly should be investigated and identified due to risk of colon and stomach
cancer.
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- Iron Supplements
- Acute iron deficiency or low level of iron in the blood that can be
life threatening require iron injections or iron infusion.
- Oral iron supplements that are available as ferrous sulfate are recommended.
Iron is best absorbed on empty stomach with foods that DO NOT contain
milk or milk products. Mild and antacids interfere with the absorption
of iron.
However, vitamin C facilitates it's absorption and is also essential
in the production of hemoglobin. Iron can irritate your stomach so enteric
coated iron preparations are easy on the stomach
- Folic acid supplements taken on a daily basis can stimulate the bone
marrow to produce healthy red blood cells
- Dietary Iron
- Eat foods that are rich in iron like red meat, liver and other organ
meat, seafood, poultry, eggs,
whole-grain or iron-fortified cereals, breads, pastas, beans,
peas, dark green leafy vegetables such
as spinach and Swiss chard, raisins and nuts.
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