Iron Deficiency And Anaemia Flashcards
What is phase 1 of iron deficiency?
Iron stores are depleted (decreased serum ferritin levels). Most other things are fine
What is phase 2 of iron deficiency?
Iron stores are exhausted and insufficient iron available for haemoglobin synthesis
What is phase 3 of iron deficiency?
Symptomatic
Why do pregnant women require more iron?
Increased expansion of maternal RBC mass and growth of the foetus and placenta
If pregnant women DO NOT get enough iron, what are the complications?
Lower baby birthweight, increased postpartum depressive symptoms and fatigue
Why do lactating mothers require more iron?
Iron conc decreases in breast when breastfeeding. After 6 months of breastfeeding, children require an additional source of iron to maintain adequate iron nutrition.
How do we manage iron deficiency?
Iron supplementation
Food based approaches (promotion of iron rich foods)
What is haem iron?
Animal food sources like meat and organs from cattle, poultry and fish.
What is the absorption of haem iron?
15-35%
What is non-haem iron?
Plant sources like legumes and green leafy vegetables
What is the absorption of non haem iron?
1-10%
What vitamin helps the absorption of iron and how?
Vitamin C - converts ferric iron into its ferrous state
Who are at risk of iron deficiency?
Infants who are premature
Children who have poor intake
Women and teenage girls going through puberty
Pregnant women
Vegetarians
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue and pale skin
PREVALENCE
1. How many people don’t get enough iron?
2. What percentage of girls at what age are below the LRNI?
3. What percentage of women at what age are below the LRNI?
2 billion people don’t get enough iron
49% of girls aged 11 to 18
25% of women aged 19 to 64
Why are adolescent girls at risk of anemia?
Menstrual losses
What is the definition of anaemia?
Is when an individual has less than normal RBC or haemoglobin therefore, decreased ability to carry oxygen
