Decrease in production of red blood cells or Haemoglobin or loss of blood could lead to Anemia. Hook worm infestation and malaria also causes Anemia. Low iron levels in the body generally lead to ‘Iron Deficiency Anemia’. Blood loss during menstruation is common among women causing Anemia. Apart, vitamin B12 deficiency could also cause anemia in people who are unable to absorb vitamin B12 from their intestines. Inadequate absorption, under consumption of green leafy vegetables that are rich in iron, long term alcohol consumption can trigger Anemia. A wide variety of bone marrow diseases can also cause Anemia.
Iron is available plenty in meat, poultry, and egg yolk. To a lesser extent you can find in green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, beans, peas, whole grains and enriched cereals and breads. Replacing normal bread with brown bread can help. Similarly use whole grain atta or fortified atta to maida is another good alternative. Bank on Spinach and other green leafy vegetables. Add a spoon of lemon juice that contains Vitamin C to help the body absorb iron. Foods rich in vitamin C are orange juice, grapefruit juice, green peppers, broccoli, melon, strawberries and cabbage. Make it part of your daily diet.
You know, some foods block the absorption of iron? These include coffee, tea, and colas. Try to avoid these things when you’re having iron rich foods. Caffeine can diminish the absorption of dietary iron.
Recommended dietary allowance for iron:
For Children
Men
Women
Some times dietary iron is not good enough. The other way to get needed iron is to take vitamins with added iron or iron pills. These are available without prescription at your chemist. You should take iron pills on empty stomach and eat something-say after 15 minutes. The most common side effect of taking iron pills is stomach upset. It may take few weeks to regaining the additional iron you need. However, before taking pills or vitamins see your doctor.
Haemoglobin is an iron-based protein in red cells that carries oxygen to body parts. This oxygen keeps you stay active and do lot of work. Without which your body can not function properly or efficiently. Haemoglobin also gives the much noticeable red color to the blood. Your Haemoglobin level should be minimum 12.5g/dL in men and 12g/dL in women.
Prathama initiated ‘Beat Anemia’ Campaign for a healthy society. A healthy nation could be built by healthy body and healthy mind. Prathama recommends regular blood donors to maintain minimum levels of Haemoglobin in their body. Only healthy people can donate blood and if Haemoglobin is low, you could be deferred from donating blood at Prathama. Haemoglobin level should be minimum 12.5g/dL to donate blood. If it is low, we advise you not to donate blood. Please take care and maintain good Haemoglobin levels. Beat Anemia. It is in your hands.
Anemia is a silent killer. Do not ignore it.
Anemia is one of the most common diseases in the world and about 50% population of India is anemic. It is 70% among children and pregnant women. Anemia is a medical condition where red blood cell count or Haemoglobin level is less than normal. There could be a variety of reasons why your Haemoglobin level is low.
General weakness, paleness of skin, swelling of body, chest pain, fatigue, brittle nails and in most severe cases shortness of breath, fainting and cardiac arrhythmias are known symptoms of anemia.
