IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA

Causes of iron deficiency / anaemia

Low dietary iron and / or low bioavailability

Blood losses

• large menstrual bleedings
• injuries / wounds
• bleedings in gastro-enteral tractus, e.g., haemorrhoids
• nose bleedings
• blood donation

Defective absorption, e.g., coeliac disease

Parasites, e.g., hook worm (In developing countries)

Iron depletion; consequences for health?

Iron depletion (= empty iron stores) in man is not harmful as long as the other iron parameters are normal. Iron depletion suggests, however, a negative iron balance and will sooner or later lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron deficiency anaemia; consequences for health?
Anaemia reduces maximal O₂-transport

• Working capacity (reduced)
• Pregnancy: perinatal complications (increased)
• Children 0-2 y: psychomotor development (decreased)
• Growth (decreased)
• Resistance against infections (decreased/increased; varies with different bacterias)

Diet

• Risk for iron deficiency is reduced when you eat a varied and balanced diet
• Physical activity results in increased energy intake and thereby increased iron intake
• Create the meals so as to obtain the best possible iron bioavailability

EAT MORE:

• Bread and other cereal products - preferably wholemeal
• Fish, both fat and lean types
• Lean meats
• Potatoes, vegetables and fruits/berries

MOST IMPORTANT: USE SPARSE AMOUNTS OF FAT AND SUGAR!

Conclusions

Iron deficiency must be prevented first of all by a satisfactory diet. Certain groups, however, cannot cover their needs by the diet only. These must be followed up with determination of iron status (measurement of serum ferritin) and iron supplementation.

GROUPS THAT NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION

• Women with large menstrual losses (IUD users, women in climacteric age)
• Women with several births
• Pregnant women
• Children 1 to 3 years (especially from some immigrant groups)
• Refugees
• Blood donors (Hb decreases when iron stores are empty)