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Pumping Iron
Reduce Your Risk of Iron Deficiency Anemia
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Sheri White of Frederick, Md., was about 4 months pregnant when she discovered she was anemic. "When I came very close to fainting several times, I discussed it with my doctor at my monthly prenatal checkup," White says. "My doctor tested my blood for iron levels and discovered I suffered from iron deficiency anemia related to pregnancy."
There are many factors that determine the presence, absence or development of anemia, including lifestyle, diet, age and sex. Knowing your risk factor can be the first step in reducing the development of anemia.
"Risk factors are just as individual as the person who is at risk," says Dr. Michael. "These risk factors include a history of heavy periods, multiple births, short time interval between births, having diseases associated with anemia, not adhering to recommended iron supplementation of 30 mg. per day and poor prenatal care. Women are twice as likely to develop anemia than men due to monthly menses and pregnancy, and it may develop in older persons due to decreased ability to absorb nutrients during digestion. Some risk factors cannot be avoided, such as age and sex, but others can be corrected quite easily."
Crystal Riggs, a small business owner from Clemson, S.C., had heavy periods since she was 13 years old. "My youngest two children were born 13 months apart, and with three kids, I often find it difficult to eat right," she says. "During my third pregnancy I was told I had anemia. After listening to my doctor explain anemia, I'm not surprised I have it. If I would have known I was high risk, I would have made an effort to eat iron rich foods and maybe prevent the anemia from developing."
