Anaemia

Anaemia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells or the
amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a component of
red blood cells and allows oxygen to be transported throughout the
body.
 

The decrease in the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin
that occurs in Anaemia can be caused by blood loss, abnormal red
blood cell production, problems in making new red blood cells,
excessive destruction of red blood cells or a combination of these
changes. Anaemia reduces the amount of oxygen available to cells of
the body. There are many different types of Anaemia and they vary
in their cause and severity. 

• Acute haemolytic Anaemia occurs when red blood cells are broken
  down before the end of their life span. The increased breakdown of
  red blood cells can cause jaundice if the liver cannot metabolise
  the haemoglobin from the cells. Forms of haemoglobin may be
  excreted in the faeces and urine.
• Aplastic Anaemia is caused by a defect in the production of red
  blood cells. In some cases, aplastic Anaemia is caused by exposure
  to chemicals such as benzene or arsenic, radiation and reaction to
  drugs (e.g. antibiotics and anticonvulsants).
• Iron deficiency Anaemia is the most common form of Anaemia.
  Iron is an essential part of healthy blood. Iron promotes the
  oxygen-carrying ability of the blood. Symptoms of iron deficiency
  in the blood include fatigue, breathlessness on exertion,
  dizziness, headache, insomnia, paleness of skin and mucous
  membranes, palpitations, swollen ankles, anorexia (loss of
  appetite) and indigestion. See the Iron Deficiency Anaemia topic on
  the Healthpoint.
• Macrocytic Anaemia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or
  folic acid and drugs such as anti-cancer treatments and
  immunosuppressants. In Macrocytic Anaemia, the red blood cells are
  enlarged and immature, so they do not have a good capacity for
  transporting oxygen.

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. It is important to find the exact cause of
any given type of Anaemia, so that further episodes of Anaemia can
be avoided.

Iron-deficiency Anaemia may be treated using iron supplements
in order to replenish the body’s iron stores. Delayed-release iron
supplements are not as effective as non-delayed release
formulations such as a Ferrous gluconate preparation. Non-delayed
release formulations are available from Pharmacies. Deficiencies
in vitamin B12 are usually treated by vitamin injections and folate
deficiencies may be treated with folate supplements.
 

Dietary modification may be necessary if Anaemia is caused by
a nutritional deficiency. Always follow any dietary advice provided
by your Doctor. Concentrate on iron-rich and vitamin C-rich foods.
Vitamin C (and other acidic foods) help the absorption of iron. By
far the best source of dietary iron is liver, seafood (oysters and
fish), kidney, heart, lean meat and poultry.

Other iron rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables such
as spinach and broccoli and dried beans and vegetables. Other
sources include egg yolks, dried fruits, dark molasses, wholegrain
and enriched breads and cereal. Reduce consumption of tea and
coffee which can inhibit iron absorption. Drinking tea and coffee
between meals, rather than at meal times, may help to prevent the
adverse effects of these beverages on iron absorption.
 

Vitamins and minerals are only of assistance if dietary intake
is inadequate.

• Folic acid supplementation may be beneficial in the treatment
  of Anaemia. 
• Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to Anaemia therefore
  supplementing with Vitamin B12 may assist.
• Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption therefore be used in the
  treatment of Anaemia.
• Iron can be beneficial in the treatment of iron-deficiency
  Anaemia.

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Watch the diet closely and include foods that contain vitamin C
   and folic acid as these foods are thought to help the absorption of
   iron. See the Anaemia Prevention Diet topic on the Healthpoint for
   further information.
2. Your Pharmacist might suggest supplementary iron tablets. See
   the Iron topic on the Healthpoint.
3. Coffee has been shown in studies to reduce iron and other
   mineral absorption from food. Tea also has this tendency. To avoid
   decreasing food absorption, drink tea and coffee either one hour
   before a meal or two hours after a meal.