Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic

1. Iron Deficiencies & Anaemia
313 High Road Chadwell Heath
Romford , Essex RM6 6AX
Tel : 0208 252 1010 : 0208 262 3140
www.chiropracticcare.co.uk
Haemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells which carries oxygen via the
blood stream around the body cannot be produced without iron. A shortage of
the mineral will quickly show itself in breathlessness as the heart pumps
faster and the lungs try to increase the body’s oxygen intake.
Men and women have different requirements for iron. Indeed women from the onset of monthly periods until
the menopause need almost twice as much dietary iron as men. Lack of adequate dietary iron over a long period
can result in iron deficiency ANAEMIA and this is especially common among adolescent girls and women
during their reproductive years.
The anaemia which results may be mild, manifesting itself as tiredness and general weakness or severe when
symptoms of lethargy are more marked and accompanied by paleness, heart palpitations, breathlessness,
giddiness, swollen feet and leg pains. Other symptoms may include chronic infections of the ears, gums and
skin, excessive tiredness and lack of stamina as well as a pale complexion. Strict vegetarians are often at risk
from this type of anaemia. Nails may become brittle and pale if there are iron deficiencies in the diet, so
increasing the iron intake will help to reduce iron-deficiency anaemia and improve general health as well as the
condition of the nails.
Offal, particularly liver and kidneys are the best source of iron although liver should not be eaten by women
who are pregnant or trying to conceive because of the danger of excessive Vitamin A intake. Iron is also found
in other meats, oily fish like sardines, egg yolks and dark green leafy vegetables such as spring greens, curly
kale and spinach, dried figs and dried apricots. Iron from plant sources is
absorbed easily if accompanied by foods or
drink containing high levels of vitamin C
such as blackcurrants or orange juice. Strong
tea should be avoided with meals as the
tannins it contains
inhibits absorption of
iron and vitamin C