Nutrition Deficiency Treatments
Anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction
in the number of red blood cells. Symptoms of anaemia can include fatigue, pale skin and
dizziness.
Treatment for iron deficiency anaemia is usually quite straight forward and involves taking
iron supplements to raise the iron levels in the body, changing your diet and treating the
underlying cause of the deficiency.
Iron supplements
Iron supplement can restore the iron missing from your body. The most commonly
prescribed supplement is ferrous sulphate, taken as a tablet, usually twice a day.
Unfortunately, some people can experience side effects when taking iron supplements,
including; abdominal pain, constipation and heartburn.
If you can't take ferrous sulphate because you get severe side effects, you may be
prescribed a different iron supplement called ferrous gluconate. This should have fewer side
effects because it contains a less concentrated dose of iron. However, it may take longer for
your body to gain higher levels of iron. In some cases, iron injections may be recommended
instead of tablet. However, with all supplements, the amount taken must be followed as an
overdose of iron can lead to death.
Diet
Iron levels in the body can also be increased by changing your diet and eating more iron
enriched food. These can include; nuts and seeds, white and red meat, fish, tofu and eggs.
Your diet should include foods from all the major food groups to ensure it's healthy and
balanced. Also, to help raise the iron levels, a diet contains a lot of vitamin C is necessary as
vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. However, consuming large amounts of some foods
and drinks may make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Such as:
Tea and coffee
Calcium – found in dairy products, such as milk
Antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – medications used to relieve indigestion
You may be referred to a nutrition specialist if you're finding it difficult to include iron in
your diet.
Treating the underlying cause
You will also need to ensure the underlying cause of your anaemia is treated so it can be
prevented. For example, heavy periods can cause anaemia as when you bleed, iron is lost
through the blood and extensive and frequent heavy periods can result in loosing too much
iron. This can be treated with medication such as going on the contraceptive pill to manage
the monthly cycle or, in particularly severe cases, surgery.
Anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction
in the number of red blood cells. Symptoms of anaemia can include fatigue, pale skin and
dizziness.
Treatment for iron deficiency anaemia is usually quite straight forward and involves taking
iron supplements to raise the iron levels in the body, changing your diet and treating the
underlying cause of the deficiency.
Iron supplements
Iron supplement can restore the iron missing from your body. The most commonly
prescribed supplement is ferrous sulphate, taken as a tablet, usually twice a day.
Unfortunately, some people can experience side effects when taking iron supplements,
including; abdominal pain, constipation and heartburn.
If you can't take ferrous sulphate because you get severe side effects, you may be
prescribed a different iron supplement called ferrous gluconate. This should have fewer side
effects because it contains a less concentrated dose of iron. However, it may take longer for
your body to gain higher levels of iron. In some cases, iron injections may be recommended
instead of tablet. However, with all supplements, the amount taken must be followed as an
overdose of iron can lead to death.
Diet
Iron levels in the body can also be increased by changing your diet and eating more iron
enriched food. These can include; nuts and seeds, white and red meat, fish, tofu and eggs.
Your diet should include foods from all the major food groups to ensure it's healthy and
balanced. Also, to help raise the iron levels, a diet contains a lot of vitamin C is necessary as
vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. However, consuming large amounts of some foods
and drinks may make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Such as:
Tea and coffee
Calcium – found in dairy products, such as milk
Antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – medications used to relieve indigestion
You may be referred to a nutrition specialist if you're finding it difficult to include iron in
your diet.
Treating the underlying cause
You will also need to ensure the underlying cause of your anaemia is treated so it can be
prevented. For example, heavy periods can cause anaemia as when you bleed, iron is lost
through the blood and extensive and frequent heavy periods can result in loosing too much
iron. This can be treated with medication such as going on the contraceptive pill to manage
the monthly cycle or, in particularly severe cases, surgery.
