Signs you may have anaemia

We often associate being anaemic with having low iron levels. However, while low iron levels may lead to someone becoming anaemic, there are other factors at play.

Dr Luke Powles, Associate Clinical Director, Bupa UK says that anaemia is caused when you don't have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin - the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Iron is essential for haemoglobin production by the body. However, other factors can prevent red cells or haemoglobin being produced quickly enough for your needs. Therefore, simply upping iron intake may not solve the problem.

What are the symptoms of anaemia?

While, for some the symptoms of anaemia are clear - you may have anaemia without any noticeable signs.

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are anaemic. Many other conditions may present in a similar way.

These can include:

• Thyroid disorders.

• Diabetes.

• Poor quality of sleep.

When anaemia becomes severe, the symptoms increase and become more obvious.

What causes anaemia?

Anaemia can have a variety of different causes - from dietary deficiencies to loss of blood or disease. It also commonly happens during pregnancy.

Diet

One common cause of anaemia may be deficiencies in your diet.

Dr Jeff Foster says: "These can include iron deficiency, but also deficiencies in B12, folate or riboflavin. Anaemia can also be caused by excess alcohol consumption which can lead to a reduction in the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells."

Blood loss

Anaemia can also be a sign of blood loss.

"This loss may be obvious - for example, if you are involved in an accident - but could also be the result of undetected bleeding in the gut caused by an ulcer, inflammatory disease or cancer,” explains Foster. "Heavy periods can also cause anaemia."

Health conditions

There are several conditions that may lead to anaemia.

These can include:

• Thyroid disease.

• Thalassaemia - an inherited condition that prevents your body from making enough haemoglobin.

• Cancer.

How can I prevent anaemia?

Not all types of anaemia can be prevented. Even so, there are some steps you can take to lower your chances of developing it.

Seek advice on heavy periods

One of the most common causes of anaemia is through menstrual blood loss which leads to reduced iron levels.

Powles says: "Managing heavy periods can help prevent anaemia so if you have these then get advice from your doctor."

Adjust your diet

While not all anaemia is caused by low iron levels, Powels suggests making sure you get enough of the right vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat to help prevent some types of anaemia - such as those caused by deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 and folate.

"Try to include more foods that are rich in iron in your diet," he says.

He adds that you should also cut down on food and drink that make it harder for your body to absorb iron - such as caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee.

"Poultry, pork and shellfish are rich in folate, while red meats, eggs and dairy products are high in vitamin B12," he explains. "You should make sure you get enough of these in your diet, as well as vitamin C, which helps your body take in iron from the food and drink you consume.

"Orange juice is a great source of vitamin C."