HealthTip: What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when we don't have enough healthy red blood cells in our body. Red blood cells contain a red, iron-rich protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their color and allows them to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, the body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from food. Those with anemia may experience symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Irregular heart beat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and feet

Many of us take iron supplements because we consider ourselves to be anemic, but what if your anemia isn't related to an iron deficiency? If you experience these symptoms, see a physician to organize a blood test to determine if you have anemia, and what type.
If you do take an iron supplement, a few good tips to consider would be:

• The upper limit (the most you can have without taking an overdose) is 40 mg/ day for infants and 45mg/ day for adults
• These is good evidence to suggest that taking iron supplements with a meal including vitamin C (e.g. a glass of orange juice) will increase the absorption of iron supplement in the body
• Currently, no scientific evidence supports the thought that iron absorption is decreased if taken with milk

So, if supplements are the route that you choose to take, utilize your health-care team of physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians to make the best and safest choices for you.

Stay tuned for my next post about the different types of anemia's!

Information Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anemia/DS00321/DSECTION=causes
http://www.pennutrition.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=403&trid=1961&trcatid=42
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001586/