Iron Deficiency Anemia
How is it treated?
• Diet
Increasing the dietary intake of iron can help prevent IDA from occurring. Iron-rich foods include meat (especially liver), raisins, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, egg yolks, peas, beans, and whole-grain bread.
• Oral iron supplementation
Oral iron supplements can be used for treatment and prevention of IDA. The most common and cheapest form of iron available for supplementation is ferrous sulfate. Sometimes iron is used in combination with Vitamin C, as found in orange juice, to increase the absorption of iron into the body. Some foods and medications can decrease the absorption of iron into the body and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Some examples include antacids and other medications to treat heartburn, milk and other dairy products, tetracycline antibiotics, and cholestyramine. The best absorption of iron supplements occurs on an empty stomach, but this can cause some stomach upset. If this occurs, it is acceptable to take the iron supplement with food. Another alternative is a product called Slow Fe?. It is absorbed into the body more slowly and the manufacturer claims that it causes fewer side effects.
It is important to keep in mind that iron deficiencies cannot be corrected overnight. It usually takes several months of iron supplementation to replenish the iron that your body needs to function properly.
• IV iron supplementation
In some severe instances of IDA and in people who are unable to tolerate oral iron supplements, IV iron is given. Some common IV iron supplements are iron dextran, iron sucrose, and sodium ferric gluconate. IV iron administration is usually associated with a higher risk of side effects and allergic reactions.
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How is it treated?
