Causes and Symptoms of Anemia in Indian Women

What is Anemia?

According to the WHO, “Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs, which vary by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status”. The red blood cells (RBCs) constitute the most abundant component of human blood and are responsible for providing life-supporting oxygen to other cells of the body. Haemoglobin, a pigment present in red blood cells, binds oxygen and delivers it to various cells in the body. A lower number of RBCs, poor haemoglobin concentrations, or inability of haemoglobin to transport sufficient oxygen, result in decreased oxygen transport to the body cells and subsequent physiological effects.

What Are the Causes of Anemia?

Anemia can occur due to a variety of reasons –

1. Nutritional deficiencies – Vitamin B12, folate and iron deficiencies
2. Genetic disorders  – Hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia
3. Parasitic infections – Such as malaria, hookworms, schistosomiasis
4. Chronic diseases –  Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Kidney disease
 

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The amount of Iron absorbed by the body depends not only on the amount consumed through the diet, but also how much of that can be absorbed and assimilated within the body. Iron present in plant-based foods (non-haem iron) has lower absorbability than that present in animal foods such as red and organ meats (haem iron). Since loss of iron occurs through menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age, iron needs are higher in women than in men.

The National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad recommends a daily dietary intake of 21mg iron per day for adult women. These needs are higher in adolescent girls as well as in pregnant women. Loss of blood is aggravated in those having parasitic infections such as hookworms and malaria. Excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also contribute to iron-deficiency anemia.

How to Diagnose Anemia?

The WHO gives the following cut-offs for hemoglobin levels in women

	Non-pregnant Women ( Age : 15 years and above)	Pregnant Women
Non- Anemia	Hemoglobin 120g/L (12g/dL) or higher	Hemoglobin 110g/L (11g/dL) or higher
Mild Anemia	Hemoglobin 110-119g/L (11-11.9g/dL)	Hemoglobin 100-109g/L (10-10.9g/dL)
Moderate Anemia	Hemoglobin 80-109g/L ( 8-10.9g/dL)	Hemoglobin 70-99g/L (7-9.9g/dL)
Severe Anemia	Hemoglobin lower than 80g/L( 8g/dL)	Hemoglobin lower than 70g/L (7g/dL)

 What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia?

Having one or more of the following signs and symptoms may indicate anemia -

· Fatigue/ lack of energy
· Shortness of breath
· Headaches
· Heart palpitations
· Pale complexion
· In severe cases, spoon shaped nails (koilonychia)
· Numbness or hands and feet
· Low body temperature
 

What Can Be Done to Prevent/Control Iron-Deficiency Anemia?

·  Know your hemoglobin levels through periodic testing
·  Watch out for the above-mentioned signs and symptoms
·  Increase intake of iron through diet. Foods rich in iron include:
     o   Dark green leafy vegetables such as – Cauliflower greens, Colocasia leaves, etc.
     o   Organ meats especially liver
     o   Soybean, Peanuts
     o   Red lean meats

Besides eating food rich in iron, one should also consume foods rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, fruit juices, strawberries) to facilitate better absorption of iron in the body. Also remember, iron intake should be within recommended limits, excessive iron intake can also have detrimental effects on one’s health.

Awareness is the first step to prevention, which in turn is better than cure. Constant vigilance about your Hb levels and a sharp eye on your diet can ensure you avoid iron-deficiency anemia.