WHAT IS IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. It occurs when the total body content of iron is low enough to reduce the amount of healthy red blood cells in the body. With fewer healthy red blood cells, our body tissues become starved of oxygen.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
HAIR LOSS
PALE COLOURING OF SKIN AND INNER EYELIDS
COLD INTOLERANCE AND RESISTANCE TO INFECTION
DIZZINESS, FATIGUE, OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH
WHO IS AT RISK?
Are you at risk for Iron Deficiency Anemia? Many factors play into being in a group considered high risk. Read the graph below to see if you fit in that group.
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
Iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Your healthcare provider should discuss the test with you and may suggest treatment involving iron supplementation.
Serum Ferritin is the diagnostic test of choice. Your doctor may order additional tests as appropriate to rule out other types of anemia. Reduced ferritin reflects depleted total iron body stores and a decompensated ability to meet requirements for producing new red blood cells.