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Iron deficiency anemia is probably the most common form of anemia
in the world. Iron is an essential component of the hemoglobin
molecule. Without adequate amounts of iron, bone marrow is unable to
produce needed hemoglobin. Consequently, the number of red blood
cells fall and the few cells that do make it into circulation are
smaller than normal (microcytic) and lack hemoglobin; the remaining
cells become pale in color.
There are two basic types of iron
deficiency: absolute and relative. Absolute iron deficiency occurs
when there is no iron available for the production of hemoglobin.
This is true of iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency may also be
relative, meaning that iron is present in marrow but cannot be made
available for hemoglobin production. This type of anemia is referred
to as anemia of chronic disease.
Even if an individual is
non-anemic, they can still suffer from iron deficiency. Common
symptoms of iron deficiency in people without anemia are fatigue,
mood changes, and declining cognitive function. There are blood
tests available to identify iron deficiency with or without anemia.
When an iron deficiency is diagnosed and the cause is found by a
healthcare professional, the deficiency may be
treated.
Whether or not iron deficiency is associated with
anemia, the deficiency can have a variety of non-nutritional causes
including menstrual bleeding, bleeding ulcers, intestinal bleeding,
hemorrhoids, or bleeding caused by certain drugs. Iron deficiency
may also be caused by lack of dietary iron. However, excessive
menstrual bleeding appears to be the most common cause of iron
deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin B12,
folic acid, vitamin B6, or
copper is responsible for other forms of
anemia.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful
for those with iron deficiency anemia
Iron
supplementation is probably the best way to reverse iron-deficiency
with anemia. However, before starting iron supplementation, it is
important to determine the exact cause so that the right treatment
can be administered.
The common daily dose of iron used in
connection with iron deficiency anemia in adults is 100 mg per day,
although some adults take a higher dosage. Iron deficient
individuals should usually continue with iron supplementation for
six months to one year.
Sources of iron such as liver
extracts are common forms of iron supplementation. Bovine liver
extracts are one of the most common liver extracts as they are
easily digested and absorbed by the body. Liver extracts may have as
much as 3–4 mg of heme iron per gram.
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