Iron Deficiency Anemia By: Tiffany Davis & Chanelle Washington

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia? Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Iron deficiency anemia is a form of anemia that involves a decrease in the number of red cells in the blood caused by insufficient iron. What are the symptoms? What groups have a high risk for this illness? Blue color to whites of the eyes Brittle nails Decreased appetite (especially in children) Fatigue Headache Irritability Pale skin color Shortness of breath Sore tongue Unusual food cravings (called pica) Weakness Note: There may be no symptoms if the anemia is mild Infants, children, and adolescents who are growing quickly People who do not get enough iron in their diet People who use aspirin, ibuprofen, or other arthritis medicines long-term Pregnant or breastfeeding women who need extra iron Seniors Women of child-bearing age who have lost blood through heavy menstrual periods

Where is iron deficiency prevalent in the world? United States Iron deficiency is most common in women of childbearing age and as a manifestation of hemorrhage. Iron deficiency is caused solely by a person’s diet. If a person’s diet is low in iron, then they may develop iron deficiency anemia. Depending upon the criteria used for the diagnosis of iron deficiency, approximately 4-8% of premenopausal women are iron deficient. International In countries where little meat is in the diet, iron deficiency anemia is 6-8 times more prevalent than in North America and Europe. This may occur, despite the consumption of a diet that contains an equivalent amount of total dietary iron. The heme iron molecule is absorbed better from the diet than a non-heme iron molecule. In certain geographic areas, intestinal parasites, particularly the hookworm, may worsen iron deficiency anemia because of blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract. Anemia is more profound among children and premenopausal women in these environs.

Organizations that help with Iron Deficiency Anemia The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a variety of educational materials, such as links to publications about parenting and general growth and development. Immunization information, safety and prevention tips, AAP guidelines for various conditions, and links to other organizations are also available. The Iron Disorders Institute is a national voluntary health agency that provides information about iron disorders such as hemochromatosis, acquired iron overload, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia, and anemia of chronic disease. The organization works with a scientific review board as well as various medical professional groups. A free newsletter, IDINSIGHT, is available. The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) information center offers information and publications about preventing and treating heart, lung, and blood diseases. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) supports research and disseminates research results in the area of dietary supplements. The ODS also provides advice to other federal agencies regarding research results related to dietary supplements.

APA Resources Chen, Y. (2009, March 5). Iron deficiency anemia, from htm. Conrad,M. (2009, August 4). Iron deficiency anemia, from overview