When red blood cells are no longer able to function (after about 120 days in circulation), they are re-absorbed by the spleen. Iron is stored in the liver as ferritin and released as needed to make new red blood cells in the bone marrow. The iron is then released into the blood stream, where a protein called transferrin attaches to it and delivers the iron to the liver. Iron from the food you eat is absorbed into the body by the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract the body only absorbs a small fraction of the iron you ingest. Iron is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails. However, newer IV iron treatments are safer.Iron is very important in maintaining many body functions, including the production of hemoglobin, the molecule in your blood that carries oxygen. Previously, IV iron formulations caused potentially severe side effects such as anaphylaxis.
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Treatment for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy may depend on a person’s symptoms and overall health.
#SYMPTOMS OF LOW HEMATOCRIT AND HEMOGLOBIN HOW TO#
How to treat iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy In developing countries, iron deficiency may also occur due to blood loss associated with gastrointestinal parasites. However, people in middle- and high-income countries may also experience iron deficiency anemia.
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Therefore, iron deficiency anemia happens most frequently in low-income countries. If someone’s iron intake does not meet these requirements, they may develop iron deficiency anemia.įurthermore, up to 80% of iron deficiency anemia cases occur in places where people experience chronic malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, blood loss during birth is responsible for roughly 250 mg of iron loss. Almost 350 mg of this amount is for fetal and placental growth, and around 500 mg is for red blood cell mass increase. Pregnant people require approximately 1000–1200 milligrams (mg) of iron throughout pregnancy, assuming an average weight of 55 kilograms. Further, the body must compensate for iron losses during the baby’s birth. This is because the placenta, fetus, and additional red blood cells require iron. Iron deficiency anemia occurs during pregnancy because a person’s overall iron needs are significantly greater than when they are not pregnant.Ī person’s need for iron increases exponentially when they are pregnant.