Iron is a mineral found in all cells of our body and is an important component of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that gives blood its red colour and enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when your body does not have enough iron to produce haemoglobin.
These include fatigue, pale skin, breathlessness, headache, dizziness, cold hands and feet, irritability, sore tongue, brittle nails, fast heartbeat, unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances (such as ice, dirt or starch) and an uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs (restless legs syndrome).
The most common tests to screen for iron deficiency are:
It is important you consult your doctor for appropriate treatment which will depend on your age, health and cause of the iron deficiency. Your doctor may recommend you take iron supplements and also treat the underlying cause of your iron deficiency with dietary changes, medicines or surgery.
You can reduce your risk of iron deficiency anaemia by eating iron-rich foods including red meat, poultry, eggs, sea food, fruit, green leafy vegetables and iron-fortified cereals. Eating vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin C, especially citrus juices (oranges, grapefruits, tangerines), can also enhance your body's absorption of iron.
You can prevent iron deficiency anaemia in infants by feeding your baby breast milk or iron-fortified formula for the first year. Cow's milk is not a good source of iron for babies and is not recommended for infants under one year. Iron from breast milk is more easily absorbed than iron found in formula.
