Anemia can be temporary or long term (chronic). In many cases, it’s mild, but anemia can also be serious and life-threatening. Anemia can happen because: Your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells.

Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and yogurt, although rich in calcium, have negligible iron content. It is important to eat a variety of foods every day.

Cow’s milk actually makes it harder for the body to absorb iron. Toddlers can develop iron deficiency anemia if they drink too much cow’s milk (more than 24 ounces a day) and do not eat enough foods that are rich in iron such as green leafy vegetables and red meat.

Treatment might include oxygen, pain relievers, and oral and intravenous fluids to reduce pain and prevent complications. Doctors might also recommend blood transfusions, folic acid supplements and antibiotics. A cancer drug called hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos) also is used to treat sickle cell anemia.

How can I prevent iron-deficiency anemia?

1. Treat the cause of blood loss.
2. Eat foods with iron.
3. Eat and drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
4. Make healthy food choices.
5. Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals.

Since bananas are high in iron, consuming them can stimulate production of haemoglobin in the blood and help fight anemia. Anemia is a condition where there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, leading to fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath.

Blood tests at regular intervals after that will ensure you do not become anaemic again. Some people have side-effects when taking iron. These include feeling sick (nausea), an upset stomach, constipation, or diarrhoea. You should tell a doctor if side-effects are a problem.

Can anemia affect my weight? Having enough iron may also be a factor in weight issues. Studies have found overweight people might lose weight if they address low iron in the blood. You might experience unintentional weight loss along with anemia if you have other conditions, such as cancer.

The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include: Sore or smooth tongue. Craving for ice or clay (picophagia) Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy.

Severe anemia may cause painful lower leg cramps during exercise, shortness of breath, and chest pain, especially if people already have impaired blood circulation in the legs or certain types of lung or heart disease. Some symptoms may also give clues to the cause of the anemia.