Anemia

Anemia, or low blood count, is the most common health problem when it comes to disorders of the physiological functions of the blood. It is estimated that it affects nearly one-third of the world’s population, with children, women, and people with chronic illnesses being at higher risk.

Anemia occurs due to a reduced number of red blood cells – erythrocytes – or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. This can be caused by blood loss, weakened production of blood cells, increased breakdown of these cells, or a combination of these factors. The term anemia refers to the set of signs and symptoms that arise in such cases. It is a condition that occurs when there is a significant drop in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and/or their main component – hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin binds oxygen, and its role is to transport oxygen through the bloodstream to all the tissues and organs of the body so that they can function normally. Therefore, if the number of red blood cells falls below normal levels, tissues and organs will not be adequately supplied with oxygen, and various symptoms will begin to appear.

Symptoms of Anemia

• General fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin and mucous membranes
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent dizziness
• Recurring headaches
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat
• Small sores at the corners of the mouth
• Cold hands and feet
• Tingling sensation in the legs
• Frequent colds and infections

Causes of Anemia
There are many reasons why someone might develop anemia, but in most cases it is due to a dietary disorder, meaning that we do not consume sufficient amounts of iron through our diet. Another cause can be an insufficient intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are also important for the production of erythrocytes. Besides poor diet, there are also cases where, although enough iron is consumed with food, it is not properly absorbed in the intestines. The poor absorption of iron can be due to various stomach and intestinal diseases.

Increased Iron Requirements of the Body
There are certain periods and conditions in life when the body’s demand for iron exceeds its supply; if this imbalance is not corrected, anemia may occur. The body’s demand for iron is significantly increased in children, infants, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as in oncology or renal patients. Generally, among healthy individuals, anemia is much more common in women and children than in adult men.

Diet for Individuals with Anemia
For those who are anemic, the diet should be based on:

1. Red meat, especially beef and liver.
2. Juices from oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, or other fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C.
3. Avoid tea and coffee with meals, as they contain polyphenols that inhibit the absorption of iron.
4. Reduce the intake of calcium-rich foods when consuming iron-rich meals.

If dietary supplements are needed, the following criteria should be considered:

1. The biological availability of the iron in the supplement.
2. Relatively high efficacy (maximum effect with minimal side effects).

Consequences of Anemia
Anemia that is not accompanied by serious complications may seem harmless, but it can be an indicator of other serious diseases. Numerous conditions—from infectious and parasitic diseases to precancerous states and the presence of tumors—are often associated with anemia. The organs of the human body require oxygen to function properly, and due to anemia, they do not receive adequate oxygen, leading to the development of various illnesses. For this reason, anemia should be taken very seriously.

Therapeutic Suggestions
To propose a treatment for a person with anemia, it is necessary to discuss with the patient and review their overall health and blood count to determine the actual nature of the disorder.

Questions to ask a person with anemia:

1. What is your dietary pattern and what is your level of daily stress?
2. Do you experience any stomach or intestinal issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, bloody stools, hemorrhoids, etc.?
3. Have thyroid hormone levels been checked?
4. Check the blood level of vitamin B12.
5. In women, pay attention to menstrual cycles.
6. If necessary, further tests should be conducted to determine the cause of the anemia.

In addition to regulating the diet, it is important to introduce an iron supplement to restore low blood iron levels as quickly as possible. When choosing a supplement, it is crucial to achieve maximum efficacy with minimal side effects.

Danijela Vlašić – Director of Bilje Sestre Ljubice