There are so many illnesses occurring at present, but one is getting more common especially among women--—on Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Iron Deficiency Anemia or IDA is a condition in which blood is low on healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues. (Note: oxygenated blood provides energy to the body and a healthy-colored skin).

In this age and generation, there is a large percentage of women worldwide, who are iron deficient. In fact, half of the total number of pregnant women in the Philippines are found to have IDA.

Thus, despite the widespread condition, many of us still know nothing, or just a little about IDA. We don’t actually need to have thorough research, neither statistics to be informed about IDA, we just need to know the right food to eat, and the proper food supplement to take. (Reference by United Laboratories)

Stop IDA

It is always never too late to treat iron deficiency. While it’s still early, better do something about it. If you’re confident enough that you have lots of iron in your body, it doesn’t mean you should stop worrying. It is still better to be ready and knowledgeable about the do’s and don’ts. Here’s how…

1.       Supplementation. This involves administration of iron in tablets, syrups, and other preparations. This is a method of choice when iron deficiency is severe or when access to regular intake of iron is limited. (United Laboratories recommends Femina, the first once a week iron supplement for women.)

2.       Dietary diversification ensures that deficient individuals have access to food rich in iron like meats, beans, certain vegetables, and to fruits rich in vitamins C.

3.       Fortification is the addition of iron to foods that are regularly consumed and that can be fortified. Best examples are wheat flour and soy sauce.

4.       Education about diet modification or supplements will help people appropriately and effectively use what is available tot hem.