Dr. Han Viet Trung - Deputy Director of the Center for Hematology and Blood Transfusion (Bach Mai Hospital) - said that anemia and iron deficiency are the most common types of anemia globally, affecting about 1.62 billion people, accounting for about 24.8% of the world's population.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not absorb enough iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen. This results in a decrease in the number of red blood cells, causing symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
"Groups at risk of anemia and iron deficiency include: women, especially pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual periods; children; the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis or kidney disease. Women are at higher risk than men because women lose blood through menstruation and have increased iron needs during pregnancy.
If not detected and treated promptly, severe and prolonged anemia and iron deficiency can cause serious health problems such as heart failure, poor fetal development in pregnant women, or worsen other diseases" - Dr. Han Viet Trung analyzed.
Nowadays, many people are anemic and iron deficient but do not pay attention to the disease. Dr. Han Viet Trung advises that if they are unfortunately anemic or iron deficient, first, the patient should adjust their diet and supplement with foods rich in iron and vitamin C.
If necessary, iron can be supplemented by taking iron tablets or iron supplements orally or intravenously (intravenously only used at medical facilities due to the risk of allergy or anaphylaxis) and must be prescribed by a doctor.
Blood transfusions are only used in cases of severe iron deficiency anemia or iron supplementation that is not effective. However, we need to find and treat the underlying cause. For example, treating the disease that causes blood loss or poor iron absorption.
Every person should have a health check-up every 6 months - 1 year. It is necessary to ensure a nutritious diet, rich in iron and vitamin C or proactively supplement oral iron suitable for the development stage, especially for those at high risk such as pregnant women and children.
Do not take iron supplements on your own, unless prescribed by your doctor, because excess iron can also be harmful to your health.
Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue, pale skin, or other suspicious symptoms. Seek medical attention promptly.
To prevent disease, you should choose a reasonable diet, specifically as follows:
Iron-rich diet: Include iron-rich foods such as red meat, liver, seafood, green vegetables (cruciferous vegetables), beans, and whole grains.
Use foods rich in vitamin C: Combined with meals to increase iron absorption.
Avoid using iron absorption inhibitors: Such as tea, coffee during meals.
Pregnant women: Should supplement iron as directed by your doctor.
