Anaemia Flashcards
Define the term Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition caused by a lack of haemoglobin in the red blood cells due to a shortage of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9
Where are red blood cells made
Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and they contain haemoglobin
Describe the severity of Anaemia
There are short and long term variations of anaemia as well as mild to severe cases
Is Anaemia fatal
Long term Anaemia is fatal as it causes damage to the heart, brain and other important organs
What Anaemia symptoms result in physical pain
- Leg cramps
- Headache
- Chest pain
What are visible symptoms of Anaemia
- Cold hands
- Yellowish skin
What are symptoms of Anemia that the suffer will feel but others cant see
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeats
Main causes of Anaemia
- Blood loss
- Severe menstrual bleeding
- Internal bleeding
- Surgery
- Ulcers
- Cancer
Causes of Anemia relating to the insufficient production of red blood cells
- Poor iron absorption due to medication or diarrhea
- HIV/AIDS due to medication or infections
- Iron deficiency
- Poor diet
- Young children due to rapid growth and poor iron in the diet
- Pregnancy due to low iron and folic acid
Vitamins and minerals needed for a balanced diet to prevent Anemia
Folic Acid (B9), Copper, Cobalamin (B12), Iron, Ascorbic Acid (C), B6, Niacin (B3)
Why are vegetarians at risk for Anaemia
Their diet is naturally low in Cobalamin
What are three ways of preventing and managing Anaemia
- Iron supplements
- Medical procedures
- Including a variety of vitamins and minerals in the diet
List foods that help to prevent and manage Anaemia
- Red meats
- Organ meats (liver and kidney)
- Poultry
- Citrus and fruit juices (Folic acid and Vit C)
- Dried fruit
- Bananas
- Iron enriched cereals
- Beans, lentils and legumes
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Which drinks hinder iron absorption
- Tea
- Coffee
- Fizzy drinks
Compare and contrast haem iron and non-haem iron
Haem iron is found in meat, fish and poultry. Non-haem iron is found in plants. Haem iron is easier to digest