Iron Deficiency Anemia Iron deficiency anemia is a common anemia that occurs when iron loss (often from intestinal bleeding or menses) occurs, and/or the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient. In such a state, hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed. it is the most common single cause of anemia worldwide, accounting for about half of all anemia cases. Estimates of iron deficiency world wide range very widely, but the number almost certainly exceeds one billion persons globally. Anemias are a worldwide problem. Severe anemia affects mainly the elderly. The WHO defines anemia as a hemoglobin concentration of less than 12 g/dl in women and less than 13 g/dl in men. According to these criteria 10 to 20 percent of women and 6 to 30 percent of men above the age of 65 years are anemic. In this project we listed the diagnosis and causes of anemias also the treatment protocols. Nevertheless, iron deficiency remains globall...
Questions & Answers How much iron do we need every day? The required iron intake is based on daily iron losses via faeces, urine and sweat and amounts to approximately 1 mg per day. Women also lose blood during menstruation. During growth and pregnancy the required iron intake is higher. However, dietary iron intake of the required amount of around 1 mg per day is not enough as only approximately 10-15% of dietary iron is actually available to the body. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) took this into account in its iron intake recommendations by recommending a daily intake of between 10 and 15 mg per day for adolescents and adults and of between 8 and 10 mg iron per day for children to cover the daily iron requirement of around 1 mg. A far higher intake is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women of 30 and 20 mg per day, respectively. Why do women need so much iron during pregnancy? During pregnancy the required iron intake increases because the placenta and uterus must a...