Iron deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia happens when the body does not have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells, so less oxygen reaches the body. It is one of the most common health problems in Afghanistan, especially in women, pregnant women and young children. It causes tiredness and weakness, harms children's growth and learning, and is dangerous in pregnancy. It is preventable and treatable.
Symptoms
- Tiredness, weakness and low energy
- Pale skin, inner eyelids, nails or palms
- Shortness of breath and fast heartbeat on effort
- Dizziness and headache
- Cold hands and feet, brittle or spoon-shaped nails
- Craving to eat soil, clay, ice or raw rice
- In children, poor appetite, slow growth and poor concentration
Causes
- Diet low in iron, such as mostly bread, rice and tea
- Drinking tea with meals, which blocks iron absorption
- Heavy periods or many pregnancies close together
- Intestinal worms, especially hookworm
- Blood loss from the stomach or bowel, such as ulcers or piles
- Fast growth in infants and teenagers
Prevention
- Eat iron-rich foods: meat, liver, eggs, lentils (dal), beans, chickpeas, spinach and dried apricots
- Eat fruit or vegetables with vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes or lemon, with meals
- Drink tea at least 1 hour before or after meals, not with them
- Pregnant women should take iron and folic acid tablets every day
- Deworm children as advised by health workers
- Space pregnancies at least 2 years apart
Treatment
- Iron tablets or syrup as advised by a doctor or health worker, usually for about 3 months after the blood level is normal
- Take iron with water or juice, not with tea or milk
- Iron can turn stools black and cause stomach upset or constipation, which is harmless
- Finding and treating the cause, such as worms or heavy periods
- Iron injections or blood transfusion in hospital for severe anaemia
- Keep iron tablets out of reach of children, as an overdose is dangerous
Common questions
Why should I not drink tea with my meals?
Tea contains substances that strongly reduce the iron your body takes in from food. Waiting at least an hour after eating before drinking tea lets you absorb much more iron.
Is it safe to take iron tablets in pregnancy?
Yes. Daily iron and folic acid tablets are recommended for all pregnant women. They protect the mother from anaemia and help the baby grow well.