As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron.
Iron is very important for health. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin).
Initially, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But as the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens.
In case of iron deficiency anemia, the patient may complain of the following symptoms: Extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat, lightheadedness and etc.
You can reduce your risk of iron deficiency anemia by choosing iron-rich foods.
Foods rich in iron include:
- Red meat, pork and poultry
- Seafood
- Beans
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Dried fruit
- Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas
- Peas
Your body absorbs more iron from meat than it does from other sources. If you choose to not eat meat, you may need to increase your intake of iron-rich, plant-based foods to absorb the same amount of iron as does someone who eats meat.
Foods rich in vitamin C can also help you absorb iron better and are a source of this vitamin: citrus, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, kiwi, melon, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and more.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
