Understanding iron deficiency
A poor diet and intestinal diseases can affect how the body absorbs iron, but if you’re iron-deficient, treatment can be administered in a variety of ways.
According to obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Charles Rockhead, iron deficiency or anaemia is a condition in which the blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.
He said signs and symptoms of iron deficiency include paleness, malaise, weakness, lack of energy, increased palpitations, posterior changes, shortness of breath as well as cravings for non-nutritive substances such as dirt, chalk and coal.
Causes of anaemia range from blood loss, insufficient iron in the diet, the inability to absorb iron, as well as pregnancy, as without supplements the iron stores will be insufficient to serve the needs of the mother as well as the growing foetus.
But before diagnosing iron deficiency or anaemia, Dr Rockhead said a complete blood count (CBC) has to be done, which will determine the morphology of one’s red blood cells.
Once it is determined and the cause is found, then treatment can begin.
The ObGyn said treatment includes iron supplements, iron infusion, or in bad situations, bone marrow treatment.
“Iron is absorbed by a process in your stomach and people who have chronic gastritis, apart from losing iron through bleeding, they can have problem absorbing. Also, you can only absorb a certain amount of iron and it depends on the iron deficiency. If it is a mild deficiency you can treat it nutritionally.”
This, according to Dr Rockhead, involves eating leafy green vegetables, red meat, beans, kidney and liver.
Medicinally, he said iron tablets are taken and as mentioned above, iron may be infused into the veins, which he says allows for a high dose of iron into the system, which goes straight to the bone marrow where iron is stored.
Dr Rockhead said some people with iron deficiency may present with neurological symptoms, so each case is determined based on the symptoms the patient presents with.
To reduce your risk of becoming iron-deficient, Dr Rockhead said it is important to choose iron-rich foods in your diet as well as foods high in vitamin C to help with iron absorption.
— Kimberley Hibbert
