Iron Deficiency Anemia

It is a condition in which hemoglobin is lower than the normal range, as a result of insufficient dietary intake and poor absorption of iron, loss of iron from bleeding.

Hb levels gm/dl

It is common among women of child bearing age,during pregnancy, lactation and young children.

Causes

It may be due to inadequate intake of iron or poor availability of iron or due to excessive loss of iron from bleeding (during menstruation). Other factors leading to anemia are malaria and hook worm infestation.

Signs and symptoms

It is characterized by pallor of mucus membranes (conjunctiva), fatigue, lightheadedness and weakness. In severe anemia, dyspnoea (trouble breathing) may occur.

Treatment

If the hemoglobin is between 10-12 gm/dl, iron and folic acid tablets are advised. For mothers, 100mg of elemental iron (300mg of ferrous sulphate) and 0.5mg of folic acid should be given daily, up to 2-3 months. For children 6-60months, 20mg of elemental iron(60mg of ferrous sulphate) and 0.1mg of folic acid should be given daily for 100 days. For children 6-10years old, 30mg of elemental iron and 0.25mg folic acid per day should be given for 100 days.

If the anemia is severe, high doses of iron tablets or blood transfusion may be preferred.

Iron rich food items

Iron rich foods are organ meat (e.g. liver or heart), shell fishes, red meat, dried fishes, sprouted oil seeds, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits. It is essential to include Vitamin C rich foods in daily diet such as amla, guava, lemon, papaya and tomato for good availability of iron.