MANILA, Philippines – If you have pale skin, experience shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, chronic fatigue, headache, and lightheadedness, chances are you are suffering from anemia. Anemia is more serious than most people think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Database on Anemia, one out of four people is affected with anemia, mostly coming from developing countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. The most significant contributor to the onset of anemia is iron deficiency so that IDA (iron deficiency anemia) and anemia are often used synonymously. It is generally assumed that 50 percent of the cases of anemia are due to iron deficiency.
Women are most at risk of IDA. Many factors contribute to anemia such as blood loss, poor absorption of iron, unhealthy lifestyle, inadequate diet, and even normal physiological processes like monthly menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Athletes, vegetarians, coffee and tea drinkers are also at risk of anemia. Often, they are not aware that they are suffering from anemia until the situation becomes serious. Chronic sufferers of anemia are likely to be less productive due to chronic fatigue. In worst cases, anemia could cause heart problems and mortality among pregnant women.
“This is a severe public health problem right now — two out of five women are suffering from anemia. That is why it is important for them to know what symptoms to look out for,” says Rowena Dela Cruz, Iberet Active senior product manager of Abbott International. “Oftentimes, women do not associate fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath with anything serious. They don’t know they already have anemia,” adds Dela Cruz.
However, like many conditions, anemia can be prevented. Many iron supplements are available that can remedy such a deficiency. But first, consult a doctor to determine if you are indeed suffering from IDA. The last thing you want to do is overdose on iron.
“Iron, being a mineral, is not excreted from the body, unlike vitamin C which is readily expelled in urine. Excess iron gets stored over time in the tissues and the liver which could cause liver problems,” says Dr. Aileen Dualan, medical manager of Abbott International. “Too much iron is toxic for the body. Proper blood examination should be done by your doctor so that you can know for sure if you are iron-deficient,” she stresses.
Iron is needed for the formation of hemoglobin, the substance that gives blood its familiar red color. Hemoglobin allows the blood cells to better transport oxygen throughout the body for it to function in optimum condition. Hence, lack of oxygenated blood will cause the body to tire easily.
“What we are committed to is to ensure that people be made aware of the health risks of anemia. People should realize that this is a health problem that has serious social consequences, both individually and communally,” adds Dr Dualan.
Iberet Active is ideal since it contains the amount of iron that is needed by the body. It contains 105 mg. of elemental iron that is ideal in curing anemia. Unlike other iron supplements that can cause hyperacidity, Iberet Active is unique because its Gradumet technology minimizes side effects and discomfort associated with iron supplementation.