Anemia caused by nutritional deficiencies: Origin, signs, and remedies
In the realm of health and nutrition, anemia – a condition characterised by a decrease in red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity – is a common issue that affects a significant portion of the world's population. This article aims to shed light on two types of nutritional-deficiency anemia: iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most prevalent, characterised by small, oval-shaped, pale red blood cells due to low hemoglobin content. Symptoms include fatigue and tiredness, weakness and lethargy, breathlessness and shortness of breath, faintness or dizziness, headaches, paleness, palpitations or faster heart rate, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, brittle or spoon-shaped nails, slow-healing wounds, sore or swollen tongue, cracks at the corners of the mouth, cold hands or feet, restless legs syndrome, pica (craving for non-food items like ice or dirt), poor appetite (especially in children), reduced ability to exercise and hair loss, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, itching, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in some cases.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, on the other hand, often presents with symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, breathlessness, paleness, and neurological symptoms like numbness or difficulty walking in severe cases. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency may cause pins and needles sensations, confusion, memory difficulties, depression, and mood changes.
Both iron and vitamin B12 are essential nutrients that can be found in various food sources. Iron can be found in dark chocolate, beef liver, salmon, spinach, and fortified cereals, while B12 is abundant in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. For those following plant-based diets, iron supplements may be necessary to meet daily requirements.
During pregnancy, iron is crucial for both the mother and fetus, and a lack of iron can lead to anemia. Doctors often prescribe iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy to prevent and manage anemia. Folic acid supplements, typically taken for 4 months, are available in pill form.
It's important to note that early stages of anemia may have no noticeable symptoms. The severity and presence of symptoms depend on how rapidly the anemia develops and its extent. Because symptoms can overlap and be nonspecific, medical consultation and diagnostic testing – like blood counts and specific nutrient levels – are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of anemia should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for nutritional-deficiency anemia involves a varied diet and supplements, if necessary. For iron-deficiency anemia, this may include iron supplements, which may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, and black feces. For vitamin-deficiency anemia, treatment may involve oral supplements or, in the case of a B12 deficiency, monthly injections.
In conclusion, while fatigue, weakness, and pallor are common to both iron- and vitamin-deficiency anemia, iron deficiency particularly affects nails, tongue, and may cause pica, whereas vitamin B12 deficiency often involves neurological and psychological symptoms like pins and needles or confusion. By understanding these differences and recognising the common symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps towards maintaining their health and wellbeing.
[1] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Anemia. Retrieved from
- In the sphere of health and nutrition, anemia, a condition marked by a decrease in red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity, is widespread.
- This article aims to elucidate two types of nutritional-deficiency anemia: iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
- Iron-deficiency anemia is common, characterized by small, oval-shaped, pale red blood cells due to low hemoglobin content.
- Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include fatigue and tiredness, weakness and lethargy, breathlessness and shortness of breath, faintness or dizziness.
- Other symptoms include headaches, paleness, palpitations or faster heart rate, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, brittle or spoon-shaped nails, slow-healing wounds, sore or swollen tongue, cracks at the corners of the mouth, cold hands or feet, restless legs syndrome, pica, poor appetite (especially in children), reduced ability to exercise, hair loss, and memory problems.
- In contrast, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia often presents with symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, breathlessness, paleness, and neurological symptoms like numbness or difficulty walking in severe cases.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency may also cause pins and needles sensations, confusion, memory difficulties, depression, and mood changes.
- Both iron and vitamin B12 are critical nutrients that can be found in various food sources.
- Iron can be found in dark chocolate, beef liver, salmon, spinach, and fortified cereals, while B12 is abundant in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
- For those following plant-based diets, iron supplements may be necessary to meet daily requirements.
- During pregnancy, iron is vital for both the mother and fetus, and a lack of iron can lead to anemia.
- Doctors often prescribe iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy to prevent and manage anemia.
- Folic acid supplements, typically taken for 4 months, are available in pill form.
- Early stages of anemia may have no noticeable symptoms.
- The severity and presence of symptoms depend on how rapidly the anemia develops and its extent.
- Because symptoms can overlap and be nonspecific, medical consultation and diagnostic testing – like blood counts and specific nutrient levels – are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Anyone experiencing symptoms of anemia should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
- Treatment for nutritional-deficiency anemia involves a varied diet and supplements, if necessary.
- For iron-deficiency anemia, this may include iron supplements, which may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, and black feces.
- For vitamin-deficiency anemia, treatment may involve oral supplements or, in the case of a B12 deficiency, monthly injections.
- It's crucial to recognize the differences between iron- and vitamin-deficiency anemia and common symptoms.
- Understanding these differences can help individuals take proactive steps towards maintaining their health and wellbeing.
- Refer to reliable sources such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Mayo Clinic, and American Society of Hematology for more information.
- These organizations provide comprehensive resources on anemia, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- By educating ourselves about anemia and general health and nutrition, we can make informed decisions about our lifestyle and diet choices.
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12 is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.
- A whole foods diet, combined with regular exercise, can help manage chronic diseases, boost immunity, and improve mental health.
- In the workplace, promoting workplace-wellness programs can help employees prioritize their health and wellbeing.
- These programs can include initiatives like meditation sessions, gym memberships, and healthy food options in the office.
- Men and women have unique health needs and should prioritize men's health and women's health equally.
- Skin care, eye health, hearing, digestive health, cardiovascular health, and fitness and exercise are all essential components of a comprehensive health and wellness plan.
- Therapies and treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, can help manage stress, anxiety, and other disorders.
- Medical conditions, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases, like cancer, respiratory conditions, and heart disease, require ongoing management and support.
- Lifestyle factors, such as financial stability, living situation, and family dynamics, all play a role in overall health and wellbeing.
- By adopting healthy habits, managing medical conditions, and prioritizing mental and physical health, we can lead fulfilling, joyful, and productive lives.
