Anaemia is a condition where haemoglobin concentration in the red blood cell is below acceptable values, limiting oxygen supply from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Anaemia is a risk factor of maternal and child mortality, poor birth outcomes and can affect cognitive and physical development in children and reduce productivity in adults. In older adults, anaemia is associated with higher risk of death, increased hospitalisation and disability, increased fall, dementia etc.
- What causes anaemia?
Several factors contribute to anaemia. Examples include poor nutrition (e.g., diet low in – iron, copper, Vitamins A, B (riboflavin, B12, folate, B6), C, D and E, underweight, overweight, obesity, stunting, wasting), disease (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, parasitic infections), genetic haemoglobin disorder, blood loss (e.g., heavy periods, regular blood donation, regular nosebleeds), increased need due to growth, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and ageing. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal anaemia, feeding practice, complementary food introduction, social demographic characteristics, and family income can contribute to anaemia in young children. - Who gets anaemia?
From 1 above, everyone can get anaemia especially young children (less than 5 years), women of reproductive age, pregnant women and postpartum women, and older adults (65+ years). - How can one know that he or she has anaemia?
Testing confirms if one is anaemic. If you experience any of these symptoms; fatigue, weakness, dizziness and drowsiness, pale skin colour, sore tongue, restless leg syndrome, unable to exercise as long as you use to, speak with your health professional. We also recommend that mothers do not miss their antenatal and postnatal visits as this helps with early detection for themselves and their babies. Early diagnoses greatly improve treatment outcomes. - How can anaemia be treated? How can I manage my anaemia better?
As anaemia is caused by multiple factors, treatment and management is determined by the diagnosis – identification of the cause. We will therefore recommend that you work with your health professional to diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment and management for you. It is important to seek early treatment to avoid or delay any negative health impact. - What can I do to help prevent anaemia? Can anaemia be prevented?
One can prevent or delay the onset of anaemia by eating a healthy (varied) diet, preventing infections, cleaning their environment, and using clean water. Pregnant and postpartum women should be encouraged to undertake their antenatal and postnatal visits. Women of reproductive age should speak with their health professional for advice.
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Written and reviewed by: Irene Danquah, ANutr
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024