Iron deficiency anemia: treatment, prevention

How is treatment of iron deficiency anemia?
Treatment for iron deficiency anemia objectives are increasing your iron stores so they reach normal levels and identifying and controlling any conditions that caused the anemia. It may include:

Remove the cause of blood loss, if this is the cause of the anemia, your doctor will take steps to correct the problem. In some cases, surgery may be advised.

Diet with iron-rich. Eating a diet with iron-rich foods can help treat iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Good sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, especially guava, red sweet pepper, kiwi, oranges and orange juice, green pepper, and grapefruit juice. Foods high in iron include as follow:

• Liver and other meats
• Seafood
• Dried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisins
• Nuts
• Beans, especially lima beans
• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli
• Blackstrap molasses
• Whole grains

Oral iron supplements are available (ferrous sulfate). The best absorption of iron is on an empty stomach, but many people are unable to tolerate this and may need to take it with food. Milk and antacids may interfere with absorption of iron and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Vitamin C can increase absorption and is essential in the production of hemoglobin. The hematocrit should return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy. However, iron should be continued for another 6 - 12 months to replenish the body's iron stores, which are stored mostly in the bone marrow.

Severe iron-deficiency anemia may treatment with blood transfusions, iron injections, or intravenous (IV) iron therapy, and then have you start on iron supplement pills and a diet high in iron.

How is prevention of iron deficiency anemia?
Prevention of iron deficiency anemia is eating foods rich in iron, as part of a balanced diet. Eating plenty of iron-containing foods is particularly important for people who have higher iron requirements, children, pregnant women, and women who are still menstruating.

Iron deficiency anemia in infants can be prevented by consuming fortified foods. Cow milk-based infant formulas are generally supplemented with iron (12 mg/L). The iron in liquid formulas is added as ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate. Commercial infant cereals are also fortified with iron. The levels used are about 0.5 gram iron/kg dry cereal, an amount about 10-fold greater than what is naturally present. For pregnant women, can prevent anemia by taking prenatal vitamins and eat more iron-rich foods.