Date Fruits and their Role in Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Iron is a mineral that has extreme significance in the body.
- It is found in organs such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and muscle tissue.
- It helps in the transport of oxygen to the body.
- Iron deficiency anemia can lead to several health issues.
Anemia happens when there are not enough red blood cells in the body. These cells are made in the bone marrow and contain hemoglobin, to allow oxygen transportation throughout the body.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body is not getting its adequate requirements. This happens due to a lack of iron-rich food in the diet or if the person has a parasite or worm infestation. In this case, the parasite absorbs all the iron from the person’s diet, leaving none for them. There are also instances of poor iron absorption and digestion due to underlying health issues.
Improper diet has been one of the main reasons for iron deficiency anemia worldwide. Like iron supplements, diet also plays an essential role to get the required iron intake.
Iron is a mineral we get from our food intake or supplements to ensure normal functions remain intact in the body. Iron is essential to help transport oxygen to the different tissues in the body, provide energy to cells, and more. Hemoglobin is a molecule found in red blood cells that supplies all tissues with oxygen; iron is a need for the better function of hemoglobin.
THE STUDY:
New studies are looking to find alternative solutions for iron supplementation in the diet instead of taking tablets.
One study considers dates as an alternative to iron supplements, due to their high iron content. According to the researchers, iron supplements helped improve anemia and iron levels but have side effects like constipation. This sometimes leads to many people stopping the supplements. If there is an alternative in the diet, it might make people more compliant and prevent iron deficiency anemia. The study concluded that dates could be an alternative to iron supplements.
Iron supplements are usually in tablets. They come in extended-release forms, capsules, pills, and other forms.
A person with iron deficiency anemia experiences breathlessness, overfatigue, frequent headaches, and dizziness. They are also more prone to infections. Medical professionals will also ask questions to rule out other possible ailments. Any underlying issues contributing to the anemia must be evaluated and ruled out before it can be determined whether the individual will enjoy supplementation.
Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by a lack of adequate iron intake in the diet or due to an underlying health issue. Women and girls in the adolescent age group may be at a higher risk of developing anemia due to menstrual blood loss.
While iron supplements are beneficial for correcting iron deficiency in children and adults, studies are also looking into correcting iron deficiency through dietary changes and supplementation. One study has shown that regularly eating dates help improve the iron levels in the body.
Before you opt to stop taking any supplements in favor of fruit or dietary exchanges, always talk to your medical provider.
Scientific Terms:
- Iron: A mineral required by the body for several day to day functions
- Hemoglobin: A molecule in the body that requires iron, has many roles including transporting oxygen to tissues in the body
- Anemia: A condition that occurs to decreased red blood cells in the body, can be caused by many things, iron deficiency is one of the most common causes
