IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
PROBLEM
You have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is an important building block for red cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body.
CAUSES
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Your body may not be making enough iron, which means it is making fewer red blood cells that are too small.
Or you may have anemia from a loss of blood somewhere in your body.
Your body normally gets iron through your diet and by your body reusing old red blood cells. However, when these needs are not met, then the body becomes anemic.
Common causes of iron loss are the following:
A.History of heavy, long, or frequent menstrual periods or abnormal postmenopausal bleeding.
B.Cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or colon.
C.Esophageal varices.
D.Use of aspirin, or arthritis medication, for a long period of time, which may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
E.Peptic ulcer disease.
F.Celiac disease.
G.Crohn’s disease.
H.Gastric bypass surgery.
I.Taking too many antacids that contain calcium.
J.Strict vegetarian diet.
PREVENTION
A.Everyone’s diet should include iron. Red meat, liver, and egg yolks are important sources of iron.
B.Increase your intake of iron-fortified flour, bread, and cereals.
C.Eat more foods that are higher in iron during periods of time when you are at risk for anemia, such as pregnancy and menstrual periods.
D.Elderly patients who have a poor appetite or do not eat three to four meals a day should also increase their dietary intake of iron.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Initial treatment starts with finding the cause of your anemia. Blood work may be performed to measure your iron levels before starting treatment. Most of the time iron-deficiency anemia can be treated with iron supplementation.
B.Iron supplementation is needed to build up the iron stores in your body as directed by your healthcare provider. Ways to increase your iron stores include the following:
1.Take iron supplements on an empty stomach.
2.If you take antacids, you should take your iron supplement 2 hours before or 4 hours after your antacid to improve the iron absorption.
3.Take iron supplements with vitamin C, which improves the absorption of iron.
C.Intravenous iron may be necessary if the iron is not well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Activity:
Iron-deficiency anemia does not impair your activity unless you are experiencing extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Fall precautions are essential if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Diet:
A.It is recommended to increase your diet with iron-rich foods. Some suggestions of iron-rich foods include the following:
1.Meat: Beef, pork, or lamb, especially liver.
2.Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and duck, especially dark meats.
3.Fish: Especially shellfish, sardines, and anchovies.
4.Leafy green cabbage family members such as broccoli, kale, and turnip greens.
5.Legumes including lima beans, peas, pinto beans, and black-eyed peas.
6.Peanut butter.
7.Whole-grain bread, iron-enriched pastas, grains, rice, and cereals.
B.Foods to avoid:
1.Avoid foods high in tannins such as tea, coffee, and cocoa.
2.Foods that can impair iron absorption include eggs and dairy products. Wait several hours between taking iron and eating dairy products or eggs.
You Have Been Prescribed the Following Medication: ____________________________
Iron supplements should be taken on an empty stomach.
Take iron supplements with a glass of orange juice or with a vitamin C tablet.
If you take antacids, take the iron supplement 2 hours before or 4 hours after the antacid to improve absorption. Iron supplements may turn your stools black, which is a harmless side effect.
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or chest pain with activity.
B.Constipation unresolved using over-the-counter preparations, or if you have the need for daily use of preparation for constipation.
C.Upcoming surgery.
D.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE