Iron-Deficiency Anemia(Reduced Iron in Blood)
by
Editorial Staff And Contributors DefinitionAnemia is a low level of red blood cells (RBC). RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Lower RBC counts mean the body is not getting enough oxygen.
Causes TOPThere are different types of anemia. This type is caused by low levels of iron in the body. Iron is needed to build healthy RBCs. Low iron levels may be caused by one or more of the following:
Risk Factors TOPThese factors may increase your chance of developing this condition:
Symptoms TOPThere may be no symptoms with mild anemia. In those who do have them, anemia may cause: Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Tests to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia may include:
Treatment TOPIron levels will need to be brought back to normal. The body will be able to increase RBCs as iron levels improves. This will relieve the anemia. Iron SupplementsIron can be taken as a supplement:
Iron can also be given through an injection. Iron stores may be fully restored over 1 to 2 injections. Iron-Fortified CerealYour doctor may recommend that you feed your baby iron-fortified cereal. Prevention TOPTo help reduce your chance of having anemia:
Talk to your doctor about your baby’s diet. General guidelines include:
RESOURCES:Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics https://healthychildren.org The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org References:Iron. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated December 15, 2015. Accessed September 29, 2017.
Iron deficiency anemia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated July 12, 2016. Accessed September 29, 2017.
Iron deficiency in children (infancy through adolescence). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated November 21, 2016. Accessed September 29, 2017.
US Preventive Services Task Force.
The Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Report of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002. US Preventive Services Task Force.
The Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Report of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. AHRQ Publication No. 06-0588; Rockville, MD: 2006.
10/12/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Baker R, Greer F, Committee on Nutrition American Academy of Pediatrics. Diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (0-3 years of age). Pediatrics. 2010;126(5):1040-1050.
Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 7/19/2018 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |