Satisfying Protein Needs
At the same event, General Chairman of the Indonesian Hematology and Blood Transfusion Association (Perhimpunan Hematologi Transfusi Darah Indonesia – “PHTDI”) Dr. dr. TB. Djumhana Atmakusuma, Sp.PD-KHOM, explained how “Low blood levels or anemia is defined as a condition where the amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels in the body decrease sharply. A common type is iron deficiency anemia, which may occur with anyone. However, children, the elderly, and reproductive-age menstruating or pregnant women are the groups most vulnerable to this condition. Physical conditions such as pregnancy, hemorrhaging, excessive menstruation flow, hemorrhoids and gastritis may also signal iron deficiency which, if not mitigated, may worsen and become iron deficiency anemia.”
While 40% of patients show no symptoms whatsoever, even though iron deficiency restricts the delivery of oxygen to the body’s cells, resulting in frequent debility, loss of productivity, and lowered immunity, diagnosing it may be difficult. “Visible symptoms are frequently not unique to specific illnesses – paleness, fragile nails, cracking lips, mouth ulcers, hair loss. Therefore, maintaining a balance of iron levels in the body is a way to mitigate exhaustion and anemia,” Dr. Djumhana said. “Management by administration of iron supplements is the most common symptomatic therapy, one that can be administered when a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is convincingly made. However, finding and ameliorating the anemia remains a necessity.”
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Iron is the material that forms hemoglobin in red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. 70% of the iron in cells and muscles support enzymatic metabolism, which is the absorption of nutrients from foods to generate energy, maximize the functions of muscles for movement and optimize brain functions, including concentration. “Iron is also crucial for the body’s immunity against infections. It speeds up recovery and ensures healthy pregnancy, because it satisfies growth needs of the fetus and placenta,” Dr. Djumhana said.
Even when not specifically diagnosed, iron deficiency anemia is preventable by consuming iron-rich foods, such as red meat, eggs, fish, green vegetables and beans. Taking iron supplements and multivitamins will ensure that bodily requirements for iron and vitamins are covered, and will help avoid suffering from anemia. (est)