Iron Deficiency Anemia

1
Iron Deficiency Anemia

• By Tiffany Davis Chanelle Washington

2
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

3
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
  persons diet. If a persons 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.

4
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.

5
APA Resources

• Chen, Y. (2009, March 5). Iron deficiency anemia,
  from http//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/artic
  le/000584.htm.
• Conrad,M. (2009, August 4). Iron deficiency
  anemia, from http//emedicine.medscape.com/article
  /202333-overview