Anemia

Overview

Anemia is generally defined as a decrease in the total number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, or a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. When it develops chronically, symptoms are often subtle and may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise capacity; acute onset can cause more pronounced symptoms. The main causes fall into three types: blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell breakdown.

Symptoms

• Pale complexion
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

Treatment requires identifying and targeting the underlying cause; iron-deficiency anemia can be treated with iron supplementation under medical guidance and correction of the underlying factors.

Dietary advice

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of iron-rich foods and quality protein, paired with vitamin C to aid absorption.