Iron Deficiency: A Major Public Health Problem in India

Iron Deficiency Anemia affects millions of individuals across the world. This disease strikes many more women than men and has harmful effects on all who suffer from this deficiency that causes oxygen-carrying capacity to decrease. The causes can vary amongst different groups, but the aggravating symptoms remain constant. Much of the research on Iron Deficiency Anemia concentrates on not only the treatment of this disease, but also the prevention of it. To attain a better understanding of how to treat this problem, one must clearly know what Iron Deficiency Anemia means, what causes this disease, the effects of it, and finally how to cure it.

Iron is one of the important minerals that is required for our bodies to function properly. Most of the iron in our body is found in the blood such as haemoglobin, approximately 60 -70% of the human body’s iron is found in the haemoglobin, a protein in the blood that transports oxygen. Iron is also present in muscle tissue and some enzymes. There are two types of iron in the body which are “Heme Iron” from animal products and “Non-Heme Iron” vegetables and

Foods that are rich in iron are “meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, green, leafy vegetables [and] dried fruit” (Peterson, 2012). In addition, an anemic person should decrease the amounts of coffee and tea consumed since they interfere with adequate iron absorption. Instead foods and beverages high in vitamin C should be consume since they aid in iron absorption (Peterson, 2012). In rare cases iron can be given intravenously but can potentially produce serious allergic reactions as a side effect (Microcytic Anemia,

The type of anemia this patient has is Iron Deficiency Anemia. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) has been revealed to be the greatest mutual foundation of anemia globally, and it is acknowledged that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progress to anemia as their kidney function deteriorates (Wittwer, 2013).

Conferring to the case study 1 of Ms. A, who is suffering from iron deficiency anemia. “People who experience iron deficiency anemia lack adequate iron required to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin supports red blood cells in carrying oxygen all through the body” (Mayo Clinic, 2014). In this presentation, the writer will provide rationales where Ms. A is presenting signs and symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

An additional study focused on the iron-deficiency concern that exists among low-income toddlers in the United States (Crowel et al., 2005). Even though the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia has declined in the last three to four decades, it continues to be a major health concern for low-income infants and toddlers in the United States (Crowel et al., 2005). Research has connected iron-deficiency in early childhood with an increased risk for developmental delays (Crowel et al., 2005). Most clinicians reported that all parents were advised to orally give medication to children with anemia; however for low-income families administering iron was not a priority (Crowel et al., 2005). Iron deficiency anemia was seen as a minor issue for many low-income parents, because it is a struggle for them to even financially support their families and ultimately parents regularly have the means to provide the medication for their children (Crowel et al., 2005).

The mineral iron (Fe) is a crucial substance for the human body. Many parts of the body, including red blood cells, require iron in order for the body to function normally. Only specific amounts of iron are absorbed by the body to maintain homeostasis. However, iron is a very toxic mineral so if there is too much iron stored in the body, it can lead to serious consequences. People that suffer from haemochromatosis, a hereditary iron disorder, are unable to regulate the amount of iron absorbed from their diet. Almost all iron in the intestine is absorbed into the blood stream and because the human body has no major way to rid of excess iron, it is stored in organs and joints of the body where it can cause serious harm. Typically, the body stores one gram or less of iron but people with haemochromatosis can have up

Iron has two forms in food: “heme and non-heme iron . Heme iron, which makes up 40 percent of the iron in meat, poultry, and fish, is well absorbed. Non-heme iron, 60 percent of the iron in animal tissue and all the iron in plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts) is less well absorbed” (Mangels 16). Both forms of iron are beneficial in consuming the appropriate amount of iron, but heme iron is consumed more than nonheme iron is. If one is trying to absorb more nonheme iron, they can combine nonheme iron and heme iron which is proven to work. “Absorption of non-heme iron can be improved when a source of heme iron is consumed in the same meal” (Tsang 12). Vegetarians can’t ingest heme iron because it comes from animals, so they should be eating foods like vegetables and tofu. It is harder for them to get the iron they need than it is for non-vegetarians. “Meat eaters have an easier time getting their daily dose of iron because heme iron is more easily absorbed into the body. That’s why the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academy of Sciences recommends that vegetarians consume nearly two times more iron each day than people who eat meat” (Juva-Brown 15). It is vital that vegetarians still consume the iron they need because without it, they will become iron deficient. There are many foods that contain iron, so there is no excuse for not consuming the appropriate

As living creature’s animals and people iron is one of many essential minerals we that need to stay alive. Iron is required to produce red blood cells through a process called haematopoiesis. It is also an important component of the red blood cells (in hemoglobin) where the iron is present when that is transporting oxygen from the lungs then throughout the body. Once the oxygen delivered the iron binds to the carbon dioxide back to the lungs and the carbon is exhaled. It has many other functions: maintain homeostasis, metabolism (conversion of blood sugar to energy, production of enzymes, amino acids, new cells, hormones, etc.). The metabolisms process is allowing people to maintain healthy cells of skin, nails, hair, internal organs, and everything else that allows a person to be alive. However too little iron could cause a condition known as iron deficiency such as anemia. If someone has too much iron it can cause a person to become toxic as the storage of iron increases it would cause Hemochromatosis and other conditions. For the research, I have selected House: season three and episode 23 “The Jerk”.

Up to 100% of young children in low-income countries may experience an iron deficiency (Anderson et al, 2015)

Despite the popular belief that Iron mainly come from meat (particularly red meat), is more likely that

Deficiencies of vitamin A and zinc result in deaths; deficiencies of iodine and iron, together with stunting, contribute to children not reaching their developmental potential. Iron and calcium deficiencies can contribute substantially to maternal deaths. Maternal iron deficiency is related with babies with low weight (<2500 g) at birth. Nutrients like iron, proteins, copper, folate, zinc, iodine and certain fats play important role in building the brain during pregnancy. Zinc, in particular, supports the development of the autonomic nervous system, the hippocampus and the cerebellum. Iron impacts the myelination of the nerve fibers which affects the brain’s processing speed. Long chain PUFA’s, typically found in breast

Based on the results of this study I would recommend iron supplementation in pregnant women. Because taking a 30 to 50 mg iron supplement during the crucial second half of your pregnancy will ensure that you're getting what you and your baby need. Remember that during pregnancy, an iron supplement should be taken in addition to your prenatal vitamins. Also, there are plenty of ways to get iron from the foods you eat, it’s always good to have extra insurance when it comes to this vital nutrient.

Did you know that almost 50% of the world’s population faces iron deficiency problems? Do you lack of enough iron causes Anemia? Iron is a basic nutritient that drives most biological processes in the body. Lack of enough iron has been closely associated with impaired development in infants and negative cognitive performance in older people. According to a recent study conducted, iron deficiency affects the behavior of children and their physical development. This article will offer all the information about the underlying conditions or diseases that are caused by lack of enough iron in the body that you need to know.

Iron deficiency anemia is quite common in children, as iron is needed to support growth. A lack of iron in the diet can cause delays in brain development, which may be irreversible. Common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include irritability, palor, weakness, and cold hands and feet. Prevention of anemia is crucial for expectant mothers, as anemic women are at a higher risk for delivery complications such as hemorrhaging and having infants of low-birth weight. (Frantz, C. 2010).