Nutritional Anemia

Anemia-BasicsIsaac AmankwaaBlood formation1-Intrautrine life:Liver and spleen up to the fifth months. After 5th month : bone marrow share in the formation of these cells.2-After birth and Adulthood: restricted to the bone morrow.

What is Anemia?Anemiais a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy redblood cells orhemoglobin

Anemia is caused by:Decreased or faulty red blood cell productionBlood lossDestruction of red blood cells

Sickle cell anemiaAn inherited disorder RBC become crescent-shaped because of a genetic defect. They break down rapidly

Iron-deficiency anemiaOccurs because of a lack of the mineral iron in the body. Bone marrow in the center of the bone needs iron to make hemoglobinCauses of Iron deficiency anemiaAn iron-poor diet, especially in infants, children,teens, and vegetariansThe metabolic demands of pregnancy andbreastfeedingthat deplete a woman's iron storesMenstruationFrequentblood donationDigestive conditions such asremoval of part of the stomach or small intestineCertain drugs, foods, and caffeinated drinks

Sources of ironAnimal- meat, liver, kidney, egg yolk.Veg.- beans, peas, green vegetables and fruitsMilk- Human milk -0.29- 0.45mg/dl(Cows milk poor source with 0.01 0.38mg/dl)Vitamin-deficiency anemiaDeficient vitamin B12 and folate These twovitaminsare needed to make red blood cells. During early pregnancy, sufficientfolic acidcan help prevent thefetusfrom developing neural tube defects such asspina bifida.

Anemia Caused by Destruction of Red Blood CellsRBCs are fragile and cannot withstand the routine stress of the circulatory system, they may rupture prematurely, causing hemolytic anemiaCauses includesickle cell diseaseinfections, drugs, snake or spider venomToxins from advancedliveror kidney disease

Signs iron deficiency anemia

Signs iron deficiency anemia

Preventing anemiaChoose a vitamin-rich dietIron.Iron-rich foods include beef and other meats, beans, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit.Folate.This nutrient, and its synthetic form folic acid, can be found in citrus fruits and juices, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fortified breads, cereals and pasta.Vitamin B-12.This vitamin is found naturally in meat and dairy products. It's also added to some cereals and soy products, such as soy milk.Vitamin C.Foods containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits, melons and berries help increase iron absorption.

Preventing anemia