Iron Deficiency Anemia - Infographic

Anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. When the blood hemoglobin levels are less than 12 g/dl, a person is more likely to be anemic. It is highly prevalent among women of reproductive age, children and pregnant women. Fatigue is the most common symptom of anemia. Other symptoms include brittle nails, hair thinning, pale skin, enlarged spleen, chest pain, coldness in hands and feet, and tongue swelling.

Anemia can be treated with iron supplements and proper dietary changes. Heme sources of iron are non-vegetarian foods such as meat, lamb, poultry, seafood and organ meats especially liver. Non-heme sources are vegetarian foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains. Consumption of vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, and grapefruit) increase the iron absorption.