What is iron deficiency anemia and can I correct it by changing my diet?
Iron builds muscle proteins, healthy bones, and most importantly, it helps blood cells carry the oxygen the body needs for energy. Iron deficiency anemia develops when the body has had a low level of iron for a long time. It can be caused by blood loss, not eating or absorbing enough iron, or by an increased demand for iron (like pregnancy or rapid growth). For people with anemia, getting enough iron in their diet is an easy, natural way to begin improving their well-being. But, iron supplementation may be necessary in order to raise the low iron levels which are causing iron deficiency anemia. In the case of poor absorption, supplemental iron may need to be given intravenously (through an IV) or vitamin C intake may be increased to help the body absorb the iron from food.
Iron builds muscle proteins, healthy bones, and most importantly, it helps blood cells carry the oxygen the body needs for energy. Iron deficiency anemia develops when the body has had a low level of iron for a long time. It can be caused by blood loss, not eating or absorbing enough iron, or by an increased demand for iron (like pregnancy or rapid growth). For people with anemia, getting enough iron in their diet is an easy, natural way to begin improving their well-being. But, iron supplementation may be necessary in order to raise the low iron levels which are causing iron deficiency anemia. In the case of poor absorption, supplemental iron may need to be given intravenously (through an IV) or vitamin C intake may be increased to help the body absorb the iron from food.
