Notes on Nutrition: Analyzing anemia — what you need to know

Have you ever wondered if you’re getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy? Knowing if you are missing the mark or balancing essential nutrients can be challenging with so many nutrients.

Many forms of anemia range from nutrient deficiencies such as iron, B12 and folate to sickle-cell anemia, hemolytic and anemias associated with chronic medical conditions. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency globally. Some people are at greater risk than others.

But how do you know if you are at risk for iron deficiency anemia? Your Hy-Vee registered dietitian is here to help with simple tips. Read on to learn how you can determine your risk for anemia.

Iron is an essential nutrient, meaning we must obtain it through food. Iron performs several vital bodily functions, including synthesizing hemoglobin — a key component of red blood cells that helps carry oxygen to your tissues.

Hemoglobin is made of protein, copper and iron. Measuring hemoglobin reflects the body’s level of functional iron, making it a sensitive indicator for detecting iron deficiency anemia. Absent any other medical condition, normal hemoglobin levels for adult females is 12-16 g/dL and 14-18 g/dL for adult males. Anything lower is defined as anemia, which could be due to iron deficiency, other nutritional deficiencies or other medical conditions.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iron intake varies based on the individual; from 8 mg per day for men and postmenopausal women to 11-15 mg per day for teenage boys and girls, respectively, to 18 mg per day for premenopausal women.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms may occur when we don’t obtain enough iron in the diet, they include fatigue and weakness, pale skin or conjunctiva, thin spoon-shaped nails or decreased resistance to cold temperatures. Individuals who are at significant risk for iron deficiency anemia include premenopausal women, young children, or people with a vegan diet, malabsorptive diseases, pregnancy, blood loss or those on chemotherapy.

Meat is a significant source of iron that is most readily absorbed by the body — this is called heme iron. There are many plant-based or non-heme sources of iron, including iron-fortified grains, pasta made from chickpeas or lentils, pumpkin seeds, potato with skin, spinach and prunes. These non-heme sources of iron require strategic planning to promote optimal absorption. Dairy foods, coffee and tea should be consumed separately from iron-rich foods or supplements as these will inhibit plant-based iron absorption. Uptake of non-heme iron is enhanced by foods rich in vitamin C, including oranges, broccoli, dark leafy greens, kiwi, bell peppers, tomatoes and strawberries.

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Individuals can register for a free Hy-Vee Healthy You Anemia Screening, thanks to our sponsor Sanguina. During your appointment, a Hy-Vee dietitian will perform a simple finger stick to collect a blood sample to test your hemoglobin, determine your risk for anemia and provide same-day results. Contact your local Hy-Vee registered dietitian for more information or to schedule an appointment.

For a simple, iron- and vitamin-C-rich meal, try this Shortcut Steak Fajitas recipe. Mix up taco night using Hy-Vee Shortcuts to cut down on prep time and get dinner on the table in a flash.

Stephanie Vande Brake is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee.