Lazi, Siquijor - Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that happens when your body does not make enough iron. Our body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen through your blood to all parts of the body.

A to research published in the journal Lancet Global Health, anemia affects 32 million pregnant women worldwide, and up to half of all pregnant women in low and middle-income countries are at risk of anemia due to higher rates of dietary iron deficiency, nutrient deficiency, and infections. In the Philippines, it is estimated that 25% of preschool children and 37% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age are iron deficient.

The risk of iron deficiency anemia affects mostly women because they have monthly menstrual periods and because of heavy bleeding they lose more blood cells and iron from it.

There is an increased need for iron during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. The effects of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy are alarming. Studies have found that women who suffer from severe anemia are twice as likely to die during or after pregnancy compared to those without the condition. In less severe cases, iron deficiency anemia can lead to low birth weight, early delivery, and poor brain development in babies. In this case, it worsens the progress of their pregnancy and puts themselves and their unborn babies at unnecessary risk.

So, for care and awareness in preventing iron deficiency anemia here are some tips to follow:

• During menstrual periods if you experienced heavy blood loss visit or talk to your doctor for immediate intervention.
• Eat foods rich in iron. Good sources of iron include lean meat and chicken, dark leafy vegetables, and beans.
• Eat and drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
• Make healthy food choices to get the iron and vitamins that the body needs.
• Avoid drinking coffee or tea for more than 2 cups as it makes it harder for the iron to be absorbed by the body. // ND II Karen F. Abe, RND