Anemia is a common complaint suffered by a large amount of the worlds population, the cause is the lack of iron in the blood.There are many different types of anaemia which we will discuss here.
Your blood contains a fluid called plasma, it includes three different types of cells. The first are white blood cells, these blood cells are there as protection to defend your immune system against infection.
The second are red blood cells; these red blood cells carry the oxygen around your body in a substance which is called hemoglobin.
The third are platelets; these help your blood to clot.
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow; millions of new cells are produced every day to replace the old cells that break down. Nutrients that are in the food you eat daily, such as iron and certain vitamins, these help to ensure that your bone marrow remains healthy and it is able to produce a constant supply of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Anemia is caused when your red blood cells are unable to carry the amount of oxygen your body needs due to the low number of red blood cells.
The common symptoms of anaemia tiredness, you may feel faint, or breathless.
The most common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency; other types can be caused by pregnancy, heavy periods. Poor iron absorption is another cause, this could be certain intestinal diseases, bleeding from the intestines, or a lack of certain such as folic acid and vitamin B12.
Women are affected more than men with iron deficiency anaemia, this is because during puberty and the menopause women have a monthly menstrual cycle where they lose blood, these are usually balanced by a healthy diet which will contain enough iron to make up for the normal menstrual loss. If however you suffer with heavy periods, or your diet is poor or you lose a large amount of weight, this can lead to a shortage of iron.
Pernicious anaemia is caused by a shortage of vitamin B12, it develops as a result of autoimmune disease. Normally your immune system makes antibodies, these antibodies attack the bacteria, viruses and germs. But if you have autoimmune disease your immune system makes antibodies that attack certain healthy tissues in your body.
Pernicious anaemia is more common in people over fifty, and it tends to women more than men. It can run in families and it is more common in those people with other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, and vitiligo, (this is deficiency of the skin pigment, melamine.
With iron deficiency a pregnant woman needs up to twice as much iron as normal (usually 30 mgs a day). Up to half of all pregnant women require an iron supplement from the 20th week of pregnancy.
Folic acid is needed for the development of the baby’s spinal cord and general growth, for most women, taking extra folic acid (400 micro-grams) is recommended before conception (if possible) and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, to avoid spinal damage to the baby. A good dietary source of folic acid include green, leafy vegetables, cereals, and bread.
Anemia is usually treated by replacing the iron that is missing from your body. Iron tablets, or liquid medicines, are often used to restore normal levels of iron. Your GP will be able to advise you which are most suitable for you, and how long you should take them for, which will depend on the severity of your anaemia.
