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What is iron deficiency?Iron deficiency is when there is not enough iron in the body. Show
Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to produce red blood cells, which are important for a healthy immune system, mental function, muscle strength and energy. Its main role is in red blood cells, where it helps make a protein called haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to all the cells in the body so they can work properly. The body can’t make iron, so you need to get it from food. If you do not eat as much iron as you use each day, you develop iron deficiency. It is important to have the correct amount of iron in the body. If you have low iron, you can develop anaemia. If you have too much iron, it can be toxic. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?If you have iron deficiency, you may not realise it as you may just feel tired and run down. Low iron symptoms include:
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. What causes iron deficiency?There are 3 main causes of iron deficiency.
When should I see my doctor?If you think you might have low iron levels, see your doctor. It’s important to find out why you have iron deficiency and what you can do about it. Make sure you see your doctor before taking any iron supplements, to get their advice on the right type of iron and dose for your needs. See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of anaemia, which include:
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. How is iron deficiency diagnosed?To confirm whether you have iron deficiency, your doctor will talk to you and examine you. The only reliable way of telling if you are iron deficient is through a blood test to look at your iron levels and to check for anaemia. You may also need other tests to find out what is causing the iron deficiency. How is iron deficiency treated?First your doctor may investigate to find the cause of the iron deficiency. This is to check whether a serious disease could potentially be causing the problem. If your doctor finds a cause, you will need the right treatment for that cause. The second step is to bring the iron levels back to normal. This can be done a number of different ways. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend that you:
If you take iron supplements, you will need to take them for several months and possibly longer. They may make your stools (poo) dark, and can also cause constipation, so your doctor may suggest you take a stool-softener to help with this. You should only take iron supplements under medical supervision as you could poison yourself if you take more than the recommended dose and they can also interfere with other minerals in your body as well as your immune system. Can iron deficiency be prevented?Most people can prevent iron deficiency by consuming enough iron in their diet. Check out this infographic for an iron levels chart of how much iron you need each day, which foods are the best sources of iron and how to incorporate them in your diet. Complications of iron deficiencyIron deficiency can cause:
Which foods will the nurse recommend to a client with iron deficiency anemia quizlet?The client with iron deficiency anemia should increase intake of foods that are naturally high in iron. The best sources of dietary iron are red meat, liver and other organ meats, blackstrap molasses, and oysters.
What should I eat for iron deficiency anemia?Choose iron-rich foods. 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.. Which food should the nurse recommend for a child with iron deficiency anemia?foods high in iron: red meat, liver and other organ meats, blackstrap molasses, and oysters. Other good sources of iron: kidney beans, whole-wheat bread, egg yolk, spinach, kale, turnip tops, beet greens, carrots, raisins, and apricots.
Which of the following foods provides the most iron?Meats, poultry, and seafood are richest in heme iron. Fortified grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetables contain non-heme iron.
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