Anemia is a very common condition that is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells that we have in the blood or by a low level of hemoglobin concentration, the protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen to cells. When this happens, the distribution of oxygen throughout the body is not adequate and people often start to have symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, dizziness and drowsiness. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 42% of children under five years of age in the world have anemia, as is the case with 40% of pregnant women.
Anemia, especially that resulting from nutritional deficiencies, is usually relatively easy to treat with satisfactory results. It is common for the child with this condition to be paler than normal and, in addition, to show continuous fatigue, to star in episodes of irritability and to be frequently drowsy. The best antidote is prevention, based on a balanced diet that maintains the levels of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the body at correct values. To maintain good levels of iron it is advisable to follow a diet with the presence of foods rich in this mineral such as some cockles, liver, pistachios, lentils, spinach and red meat, among others.
The main causes of anemia are due to nutritional deficiencies, normally due to low iron levels, although it can also be caused by a lack of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A. Other causes can be hemoglobinopathies and certain infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, AIDS and parasitosis. Iron deficiency anemia negatively affects the cognitive and physical development of children. The adequate concentration of hemoglobin in the body to meet normal physiological needs is variable and depends on various factors such as age, sex, elevation above sea level, smoking, and pregnancy.
Once anemia is detected, it is important to determine the cause to try to treat it. The WHO considers that anemia is an indicator of malnutrition and poor health and ensures that "it is a problem by itself, but it can also have an impact on other nutrition problems in the world such as growth retardation, low birth weight and overweight and obesity in childhood due to lack of energy for exercise. Poor school performance in children and reduced work productivity in adults caused by anemia can have further social and economic repercussions for the individual and family.
