Q: What is iron deficiency anemia and what are the causes?

A: Iron is an important element for making haemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein in your blood. If you have a shortage, or deficiency, of iron in your body, your bone marrow will make small red blood cells that don't contain enough haemoglobin. These red blood cells can't carry enough oxygen to your organs and tissues. This leads to iron deficiency anemia.

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Causes of iron deficiency anemia include:

• Loss of blood, e.g. heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding

• Diet, e.g. unbalanced diet and vegetarianism

• Absorption problems, e.g. digestive system diseases

• Pregnancy & lactation (unborn babies/infants need iron for growth)

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Q: How to treat and prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia?

A: Doctors usually prescribe iron supplements, such as ferrous sulphate and Iron (III) - hydroxide Polymaltose Complex tablets for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements make up for the shortage of iron and will then build up your body's stores of iron back to the normal level.

In order to reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, a balanced diet which contains plenty of iron is essential.

Good sources of iron include:

• Meat

• Black fungus

• Green vegetables

• Dried fruit

• Pulses, e.g. chick peas and lentils

Besides, vitamin C is known to help the absorption of iron, so you are suggested to take foods containing vitamin C at the same time as eating iron-rich foods. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges and kiwifruit, etc.