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Overview for Dietary and Lifestyle or Treatment info
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Anaemia is characterised by
a reduction in the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin (the iron
rich element of red blood cells) in the blood. It occurs when the equilibrium
between blood loss through bleeding and production of blood is disturbed.
Causes include dietary deficiency of iron and/or certain vitamins that
aid its absorption, excessive bleeding due to heavy periods or internal
bleeding form stomach ulcers or tumours.
Types of Anaemia:
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia and it is usually
linked to blood loss e.g. peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids, excessive menstrual
bleeding etc. Symptoms include fatigue, brittle nails, pallor and loss
of appetite. If food provides inadequate iron to replace that lost,
stores will be depleted and anaemia will occur. It is important to get
a doctor's diagnosis if anaemia is suspected.
Pernicious Anaemia (B12 deficiency)
A type of anaemia usually found in adults and caused by impaired intestinal
absorption of vitamin B12. Symptoms include pallor, a reduced sense
of taste, shortness of breath and inflammation of the tongue.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
Most common in West Africa, it is caused by the presence of haemoglobin
S with abnormal sickle-shaped cells. The disease is characterised by
abdominal pain and ulcerations.
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