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What is the best treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
To treat iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements. Your doctor will also treat the underlying cause of your iron deficiency, if necessary....TreatmentTake iron tablets on an empty stomach. ... Don't take iron with antacids. ... Take iron tablets with vitamin C.
How long does iron deficiency anemia take to cure?
With treatment, most people recover from iron-deficiency anemia in 2 to 3 months. You may need to take iron supplements for several months longer, though, to build up your reserves of iron.
What is the fastest way to cure anemia?
If you have iron-deficiency anemia, taking iron orally or getting iron administered intravenously along with vitamin C is often the fastest way to raise your iron levels. Iron is necessary to produce hemoglobin in red blood cells, which helps the RBCs carry oxygen to organs and other tissues of the body.
Can iron deficiency anemia be cured permanently?
There's no specific treatment for this type of anemia. Doctors focus on treating the underlying disease. If symptoms become severe, a blood transfusion or injections of a synthetic hormone normally produced by your kidneys (erythropoietin) might help stimulate red blood cell production and ease fatigue.
What level of anemia is severe?
For all of the tested groups, moderate anemia corresponds to a level of 7.0-9.9 g/dl, while severe anemia corresponds to a level less than 7.0 g/dl.
What is the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia results from low or depleted stores of iron, which is needed to produce red blood cells. Excessive bleeding is the most common cause.
How can I raise my iron levels quickly?
Choose iron-rich foodsRed 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.Peas.
What foods should be avoided with anemia?
Foods to avoidtea and coffee.milk and some dairy products.foods that contain tannins, such as grapes, corn, and sorghum.foods that contain phytates or phytic acid, such as brown rice and whole-grain wheat products.foods that contain oxalic acid, such as peanuts, parsley, and chocolate.
What are the 3 main causes of anemia?
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction.
What are the 3 stages of iron deficiency?
3 Stages of Iron DeficiencyStage 1: Diminished total-body iron content. This stage is identified by a reduction in serum ferritin. ... Stage 2: Reduced red blood cell formation. This stage occurs when the iron supply is insufficient to support the formation of red blood cells. ... Stage 3: Iron deficiency anemia.
Which tablet is good for anemia?
Drugs used to treat AnemiaDrug nameRatingPregnancyView information about Epogen Epogen9.0CGeneric name: epoetin alfa systemic Drug class: recombinant human erythropoietins For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: Prescribing InformationView information about Ferralet 90 Ferralet 9010C72 more rows
What drink is high in iron?
A. Juices like prune juice, beetroot juice, pumpkin juice and spinach juice are rich plant-based iron sources. They are also a powerhouse of various vitamins and minerals, which increase your body's healthy iron levels.
What is the best treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
BLOOD TRANSFUSION. If your iron-deficiency anemia is severe, you may get a transfusion of red blood cells. A blood transfusion is a safe, common procedure in which blood is given to you through an IV line in one of your blood vessels. A transfusion requires careful matching of donated blood with the recipient's blood.
What to do if you have anemia and blood loss?
For example, if you have a bleeding ulcer, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other medicines to treat the ulcer. If a polyp or cancerous tumor in your intestine is causing bleeding, you may need surgery to remove the growth.
What are some examples of nonmeat foods that are good sources of iron?
Examples of nonmeat foods that are good sources of iron include: Iron-fortified breads and cereals. Peas; lentils; white, red, and baked beans; soybeans; and chickpeas. Tofu. Dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and apricots. Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables. Prune juice.
What are some good sources of iron?
Chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and shellfish also are good sources of iron. The body tends to absorb iron from meat better than iron from nonmeat foods. However, some nonmeat foods also can help you raise your iron levels. Examples of nonmeat foods that are good sources of iron include: Iron-fortified breads and cereals.
Is a blood transfusion a short term treatment?
However, a blood transfusion is only a short-term treatment. Your doctor will need to find and treat the cause of your anemia. Blood transfusions are usually reserved for people whose anemia puts them at a higher risk for heart problems or other severe health issues.
Can you take iron pills for kids?
Supplements come in pill form or in drops for children. Large amounts of iron can be harmful, so take iron supplements only as your doctor prescribes. Keep iron supplements out of reach from children. This will prevent them from taking an overdose of iron.
Can you take iron supplements by mouth?
It must be done in a hospital or clinic by experienced staff. Iron therapy usually is given to people who need iron long-term but can't take iron supplements by mouth. This therapy also is given to people who need immediate treatment for iron-deficiency anemia.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
There are home remedies and lifestyle changes related to diet that can help you to improve iron levels.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
The amount of iron found in food is often small compared with what you need to treat IDA. That means that diet alone is not enough to improve your iron levels. According to the American Society of Hematologists, when a person has been diagnosed with iron deficiency, they will likely need to take iron orally or intravenously. 7
Prescriptions
Prescription treatment for IDA falls into two categories—treating the IDA and treating the underlying causes of the IDA.
Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures
While rare, you might need a procedure to treat IDA. Surgeries and specialist-driven procedures include a blood transfusion or surgical repair of a bleeding ulcer or stomach tear.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the medical term for therapies that are not part of standard medicine. There are no CAM therapies that are considered safe or effective for treating IDA. 13
Summary
Iron deficiency anemia is treated by restoring iron levels and addressing underlying causes. Rather than self-diagnosing and using supplements, it is important to see a doctor to determine the correct treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Iron deficiency anemia has many causes, and treatment is generally tailored around what has caused your IDA and the effect it might have on your health. The outlook for IDA is good provided you receive appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue) Increased heart rate (tachycardia) Sore or swollen tongue. Enlarged spleen. A desire to eat peculiar substances such as dirt or ice (a condition called pica) The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood conditions or medical problems.
What foods can help with anemia?
Eating a diet with iron-rich foods can help treat iron-deficiency anemia. Good sources of iron include the following: Poultry, such as chicken, duck, turkey, (especially dark meat), liver. Fish, such as shellfish, including clams, mussels, and oysters, sardines, anchovies.
How to tell if you have iron deficiency?
Iron-deficiency anemia may be suspected from general findings on a complete medical history and physical examination, such as complaints of tiring easily, abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin, or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a blood test ...
What changes are required to increase iron?
Body changes. An increased iron requirement and increased red blood cell production is required when the body is going through changes, such as growth spurts in children and adolescents, or during pregnancy and lactation. Gastrointestinal tract abnormalities.
What is the most common cause of anemia?
What is iron-deficiency anemia? The most common cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin, part of red blood cells that carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product) from the body. Iron is mostly stored in the body in the hemoglobin. About one-third of iron is also stored as ferritin ...
How much iron is absorbed in a diet?
Diets low in iron. Iron is obtained from foods in our diet; however, only 1 mg of iron is absorbed for every 10 to 20 mg of iron ingested. A person unable to have a balanced iron-rich diet may suffer from some degree of iron-deficiency anemia. Body changes.
How do you know if you have anemia?
The following are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin. Irritability. Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue) Increased heart rate (tachycardia) Sore or swollen tongue.
What is the most common form of iron used in children?
This is the most common form of iron used in children (although any form can be used). Ferric gluconate : This form of IV iron can be given over multiple smaller doses. This formulation is commonly used in people receiving hemodialysis for severe kidney disease. Iron sucrose: Iron sucrose is also given over multiple smaller doses.
Can iron cause tooth staining?
2 The liquid forms of oral iron, in particular, have a metallic taste and can cause staining of the teeth. Fortunately, the staining is temporary ...
Can iron dextran be corrected?
Iron deficiency can usually be corrected with only one infusion. Newer versions of iron dextran are less likely to cause allergic reactions than older formulations. Usually, a small test dose is given first, and, if that's well tolerated, the remainder of the dose is given.
Is iron deficiency a common cause of anemia?
Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia in the United States and worldwide. Although oral iron can be an easy, inexpensive treatment for many people, it may not be the best option for everyone. Discuss with your physician all of your treatment options, including risks and benefits, prior to starting new medications.
Is oral iron more expensive than IV iron?
Cost: Without question, oral iron is less expensive. It is readily available over the counter and may be the only choice in resource-poor settings. It can be given at home with little monitoring. IV iron must be administered in a clinic or hospital for monitored infusion, which makes it more costly.
Can infants take iron?
Age: Historically, infants and children have been treated with oral iron, except in rare circumstances, such as children who are unable to absorb oral iron due to gastrointestinal issues. In adults, IV iron is used more commonly, particularly in people with ongoing bleeding or after gastric bypass surgery, which makes it difficult to absorb iron.
Can you take iron IV in dialysis?
This form of IV iron can be used in multiple settings, including dialysis or in pregnant women.
How to manage iron deficiency anemia?
If you're anemic because of an iron deficiency, your doctor will likely have you start by making changes to your diet. Research has shown that diet can be an effective route to manage iron deficiency anemia. 2
What to do if your iron level is low?
If your iron level is critically low (e.g., after an injury resulting in substantial blood loss) or you cannot absorb/store iron from food , your doctor may prescribe other treatments including a blood transfusion or regular intravenous (IV) iron infusions .
What does it mean when you don't have enough red blood cells?
Anemia is a medical term that means your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. One of the most common types of anemia is caused by iron deficiency, which may happen if you don't get enough iron from the food you eat or if your body can't absorb it well. The anemia diet focuses on foods that can help correct ...
What foods are good sources of iron?
Proteins: Meat (especially beef, veal, and liver) can provide heme iron in your diet. Many types of seafood and shellfish are good sources of iron, especially oysters, tuna, and sardines. If you do not eat animal products, soybeans and tofu can be iron-rich protein sources for plant-based diets.
How to get iron out of fish?
Add citrus: Citric acid can boost your body's iron uptake. Try drizzling a little lemon juice on your grilled fish before digging in.
How much iron does the body absorb from a meal?
The study showed the body can absorb 2.5 times more non-heme iron from a meal when it also includes heme-containing meat. 9 . The same study also found that the body’s ability to absorb iron may be reduced by half when the meal contains 165 milligrams (mg) of calcium—about as much as a slice of cheese.
How to increase iron content in food?
These tips may boost the iron content of your meal: 1 Choose cookware wisely: Some research has shown that cooking meat or vegetables in a cast iron skillet can help boost its iron content. 11 2 Reduce cooking time: To the extent you're able, without compromising food safety, aim to cook food for as short a time as possible to maintain its nutritional benefits. 3 Add citrus: Citric acid can boost your body's iron uptake. Try drizzling a little lemon juice on your grilled fish before digging in.
How to treat iron deficiency anemia?
Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia. First, you should consult with your doctor if you’re having any of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Since bleeding is the most common cause, you should get help from your doctor to locate the source and stop the bleed ing. Once you’ve diagnosed your condition and started a treatment plan, ...
What causes iron deficiency?
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia. Blood loss. The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia is blood loss. If you have a heavy period you may be more at risk for this type of anemia. You may also have slow internal blood loss. This can be caused by a peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia, colon polyp, or rectal cancer.
What is the most common type of anemia in 2021?
Anemia is a common condition that happens when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
How to tell if you have iron deficiency?
The first signs that you have iron deficiency anemia are: 1 Brittle nails 2 Cracks on the sides of your mouth 3 Pale skin 4 Swelling or soreness of your tongue#N#
How long does it take for iron deficiency to develop?
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can develop over time and may take months before you notice changes in your body. When you aren’t getting enough iron, your body uses its reserves first. Once your iron reserves decrease, your body stops producing enough red blood cells. .
How to increase iron reserves?
. Diet. By eating meat, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-enriched pasta, grains, rice, and cereals, you can increase your iron reserves.
Why do pregnant women need iron?
. Pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia is common in pregnant women because their iron reserves are being used for them and their baby. You may need to take an iron supplement during your pregnancy.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies
- To treat iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements. Your doctor will also treat the underlying cause of your iron deficiency, if necessary.
Prescriptions
Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Summary
A Word from Verywell