iron

Question 1

what is the cause and mechanism of iron defiency anemia?

Answer 1

Cause: poor iron intake either from inadaquate diet, blood loss or poor iron absorbtion

Mechanism: lack of iron means hemoglobin cannot be produced and carry oxygen

Question 2

what is the cause of anemia due to vitamin defiency?

Answer 2

Cause: Lack of vitamins, especially vitamin B12 or folate (vitamin B9), both of which are essential for red blood cell production. This can happen because of poor diet, absorbtion issues or during increased needs

Question 3

what is the cause of anemia related to pregnancy?

Answer 3

during pregnancy there is changes in the plasma volume which dilute the RBC which can result in anemia

Question 4

explain anemia in alchoholics

Answer 4

frequently they have defective RBCs that have been killed prematurely. Alchohol is toxic especially to bone barrow so the production of RBCs can be slowed down

Question 5

explain anemia and obesity

Answer 5

obesity can lead to low level chronic infomration and elevated levels of hepcidin.
High hepcidin levels block iron from being absorbed in the intestines and trap iron in storage sites (like the liver), making less iron available for red blood cell production.

Question 6

define the cause and mechanism of chronic disease anemia (inflamation)

Answer 6

Cause: Chronic diseases or inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, infections, cancer) lead to increased production of hepcidin, which blocks iron use, causing anemia.

Mechanism→increased hepcidin: During inflammation, the body produces more hepcidin (the hormone that regulates iron). High hepcidin levels block iron absorption from the intestines and trap iron in storage sites, preventing it from being used to make new red blood cells.

Question 7

define the cause and mechanism of anemia related to kidney disease

Answer 7

Cause: Insufficient production of erythropoietin (EPO) by the kidneys due to chronic kidney disease.

Mechanism: Kidney disease → Reduced EPO production → Less stimulation for red blood cell production in bone marrow → Fewer red blood cells → Anemia.

Question 8

what is the cause of hemolytic anemia?

Answer 8

Cause: The destruction of red blood cells faster than the body can replace them.

Question 9

define the cause and mechanism of megaloblastic anemia

Answer 9

Cause: A deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate leads to the production of abnormally large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts) that do not function properly.

Mechanism: Impaired DNA synthesis causes the bone marrow to release these large, dysfunctional red blood cells.

Question 10

what is sickle cell anemia

Answer 10

A genetic condition where abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood vessels and premature destruction of red blood cells.

Question 11

what is the cause of aplastic anemia

Answer 11

The bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Question 12

what is the cause and mechanism of prenicious anemia

Answer 12

Cause: A type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia caused by the body’s inability to absorb B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor (a protein made in the stomach that is necessary for B12 absorption).

Mechanism: Lack of B12 impairs red blood cell production and causes neurological damage.

Question 13

what is the cause of thalasemia

Answer 13

A genetic disorder where the body produces abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and anemia.

Question 14

what are the symptoms of stage 1 of iron toxicity (6h after overdose)

Answer 14

vomitting, vomitting blood, dirrhea, abdominal pain, irratability, drowsiness if very severe this can result in rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, coma, uncosciousness, seizures and low blood pressure

Question 15

what happens in stage 2 of iron toxicity (6-48 hours after overdose)

Answer 15

persons condition appears to improve (as the liver absorbs iron)

Question 16

what are the symptoms of stage 3 of iron toxicity? (6-48 h after overdose)

Answer 16

this is the point where the liver and kidneys start to fail and very low blood pressure results (shock), fever, bleeding, jaundice, liver failure, metabolic acidosis and seizures can develop

Question 17

what are the symptoms of stage 4 of iron toxicity (2-5 day after)

Answer 17

at this point everything is failing. The liver fails and people can die from shock, bleeding and blood clot abnormalities. Sugar levels in blood decrease, confusion, lethargy or a coma may develop

Question 18

what are the symptoms of stage 6 of iron toxicity? (2-5 weeks after overdose)

Answer 18

Stomach/intestines can become blocked by scars. The scarring can also cause cramping, abdominal pain, vomitting and if the scarring is very severe on the liver it can lead to death

Question 19

what is convential breeding?

Answer 19

Scientists select and cross-breed varieties of crops (like rice, beans, wheat, and maize) that naturally have higher iron content. Over generations, they develop new varieties with enhanced iron levels.

Question 20

what is genetic modification?

Answer 20

In some cases, crops are genetically engineered to improve iron levels. This may involve introducing genes that enhance iron uptake or storage in plants, or genes that reduce the presence of phytates (which block iron absorption).