Iron deficiency anemia one of the top causes of disability in India

Iron deficiency anemia one of the top causes of disability in India • Iron needs are higher in women than in men • Many people are unaware of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia
New Delhi, 08 September 2017: As per recent reports, about 48% women in India in the age group 15 to 49 years have hemoglobin concentrations lower than 120g/L (12g/dL) and are diagnosed with anemia. Analysis also show that iron-deficiency anemia has remained the top cause of disability in India for 10 years now. The IMA indicates that anemia can have serious consequences such as fetal deaths, abnormalities, pre-term and underweight babies in pregnant women. Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs, which vary by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status. Hemoglobin, a pigment present in red blood cells, binds oxygen and delivers it to various cells in the body. Menstrual bleeding causes loss of iron in women of reproductive age, and thus, iron needs are higher in women than in men. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and occurs when the body doesn’t have enough of this mineral. In the absence of enough iron in the blood stream, the rest of your body cannot get the amount of oxygen it needs. What exacerbates this condition is that many people are unaware that they have iron deficiency anemia. At times, one may experience the symptoms for years without knowing what they are due to. A poor diet or certain intestinal diseases that affect iron absorption can also lead to this condition. This deficiency is usually treated with iron supplements or changes to diet.” Some of the symptoms of moderate-to-severe iron deficiency anemia include general fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cravings for things such as dirt, a tingling or crawling feeling in the legs, soreness or swelling in the tongue, cold hands and feet, fast or irregular heartbeat, brittle nails, and headaches. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Mostly, iron deficiency anemia is mild, and does not lead to any further complications, and can be corrected easily. However, if left untreated for a long time, it can cause other health problems. In pregnant women, this can lead to the birth of a premature or low-birth-weight baby.” Here are some tips to prevent anemia. • Eat foods rich in iron such as green and leafy vegetables, red meat, lentils, beans, and iron-fortified cereals and breads. • Include vitamin C-rich foods and drinks in your diet as it will help the body in absorbing iron. • Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as this affects the absorption of iron. • Include enough sources of vitamin B12 and folic acid in your diet.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency key: HCFI

Timely diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency key: HCFI

New Delhi, June 17, 2016: A report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, indicates the incidence of anaemia as high as 48% in women in the age group 15-49 years in India. This means that almost half of Indian female in the prime of their lives possibly suffer from iron deficiency. “Iron is a mineral that plays a vital role in health and well-being. Without it, many bodily functions would malfunction. Given the increasing incidence of iron deficiency in our country and its implications on the long-term health and well-being of the population, it is important to raise awareness about the necessity timely detection and treatment of iron deficiency”, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. The primary role of iron is to carry oxygen in the blood to every cell in the body. Iron is an important component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs and transports it throughout the body. If your body doesn't have enough iron, it cannot produce enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, which means you have too little haemoglobin. Women in their childbearing years are at higher risk for iron deficiency because of the loss of blood during menstruation and require high amounts of iron. Iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy can increase risks of small or early (preterm babies. Small or early babies are more likely to have health problems or die in the first year of life than infants who are born full term and are not small. Iron deficiency can also delay normal infant motor function (normal activity and movement) or teen mental function (normal thinking and processing skills). Signs of iron deficiency include fatigue, decreased work and school performance, slow cognitive and social development during childhood, difficulty maintaining body temperature, decreased immune function, and glossitis (an inflamed tongue). Blood tests establish the diagnosis of iron deficiency. Dietary changes or iron supplements are possible treatments for iron deficiency. Common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency include: • Fatigue -Fatigue alone might not point to iron deficiency, but along with the other symptoms on this list, it’s a warning sign. • Heavy Periods – If you’re losing a lot of blood each month, your body may have trouble bouncing back, and that can lead to iron deficiency. • Difficulty Catching Your Breath – Our body needs iron to help your blood carry oxygen to your cells. Iron deficiency can make you feel out of breath. • Irregular heartbeat - Long-term iron deficiency anaemia can cause irregular heartbeats and other heart complications. It can also make existing heart problems worse. • Headaches – If you are having frequent headaches, it is important that you get yourself checked for iron deficiency. Iron deficiency causes arterial swelling in your brain • Anxiety - Iron deficiency deprives your sympathetic nervous system of oxygen, which can make you feel anxious for no reason. • Hair loss - Hair loss is a symptom of severe iron deficiency when your body is working very hard to conserve oxygen. • Pregnancy - During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases until you have almost 50 percent more than usual It is important to consistently monitor your iron levels when you get your blood work, especially during the second half of your pregnancy. • Inflammatory Bowel Disease – IBD can make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients, including iron. You may need to eat more iron or take a supplement to maintain healthy levels.