A brief study about Iron deficiency definition, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment and Iron rich foods.

1. IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood
lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's
tissues.
Symptoms
Iron deficiency anaemia signs and symptoms may include:
• Extreme fatigue and Weakness
• Pale skin
• Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Headache, dizziness or light headedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Inflammation or soreness of your tongue and Brittle nails
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
• Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency
anaemia
Causes
• Heavy, long, or frequent menstrual periods
• Cancer in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, or colon
• Esophageal varices, often from cirrhosis
• The use of aspirin, ibuprofen, or arthritis medicines for a long time, which can
cause gastrointestinal bleeding
• Peptic ulcer disease
Exams and Tests
• Complete blood count
• Reticulocyte count
• Bone marrow biopsy (if the diagnosis is not clear)
• Iron binding capacity (TIBC) in the blood
• Serum ferritin and Serum iron level
• Serum hepcidin level (protein and regulator of iron in the body)

2. Treatment
Iron-deficiency anemia is treated will depend on how severe the problem is and
what caused it in the first place. Most forms of this condition involve a lack of iron in
your diet, or problems with your body absorbing the iron you do consume. Below are
some options for treatment.
Iron supplements
Iron tablets can help restore iron levels in your body
PATIENT COUNSELLING :
• Foods high in iron Foods high in vitamin C meat, such as lamb, pork, chicken, and beef
• seafood, such as clams, sardines, shrimp, and oysters
• High fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran
• Foods or drinks with caffeine
Choose iron-rich foods
Foods rich in iron include:
• Red meat, pork and poultry
• Seafood
• Beans
• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
• Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots
• Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas
• Peas
Your body absorbs more iron from meat than it does from other sources. If you choose to not eat meat,
you may need to increase your intake of iron-rich, plant-based foods to absorb the same amount of iron
as does someone who eats meat.
REFERENCE : www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article
www.healthline.com/nutrition/iron-deficiency-signs-symptoms