Anemia can be defined as a reduction in the amount of red blood cells, of hemoglobin (a pigment in the red blood cells that contains iron and is useful for transporting oxygen to the tissues), and hematocrit (consider this a medical important value obtained after centrifuging the red blood cells). These three elements can be analyzed on a complete blood count and can let the doctor know if everything is ok or not.

Iron deficiency anemia can be proven to exist by analyzing the microscopic aspect of the red blood cells. If they are abnormally small and pale, they definitely lack iron. Also, blood tests that measure the body’s iron deposits like serum ferritin can tell doctors if there is iron deficiency in the organism or not.

Some of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are fatigue, mood changes, loss of concentration, problems with the immune system, headaches, noises in the ears (tinnitus) and pale skin. Sometimes if anemia is advanced, there can install a desperate urge for moving the legs and such a sensation can be quite unpleasant especially if it occurs during the night.

There are drugs containing iron that can correct this anemia, replacing the iron that is missing or has been lost, but they should not be sued until you know exactly what the cause of your iron deficiency is. Some people lose iron by bleeding (during menstruation, or from a stomach ulcer or hemorrhoids), while others have a lack of dietary iron.

There are natural remedies for iron deficiency: eating aliments that are rich in iron. Such aliments that can provide the most absorbable form of iron are: liver, poultry and fish. Other aliments that can supplement iron are: leafy green vegetables, dried fruit, wine and molasses.

Also, if you know you have iron deficiency you should avoid drinking tea, especially black tea as the substance contained by the leafs (tanning) blocks the intestinal absorption of iron. Coffee has the same effect too, but only if consumed in large quantities.

You can also get over the counter iron supplements like liver extracts from beef that also contain vitamin B12 and folic acid. Vitamin A is also of help as it has been proven that taking iron and vitamin A during the same time improves the absorption rate of iron. The same effect as vitamin A seems to have vitamin C.

If you keep such supplements in the house make sure they are out of your children’s reach as they can cause serious poisoning that can be even fatal for you little ones. Also, do not take iron without the approval of your GP as too much iron stocked in the body is not god to and can lead to serious liver and renal injuries.