What it means
The most common kind of anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry . The body needs iron to build hemoglobinHEE-muh-gloh-binThe iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.hem/o bloodglobin proteinFull entry , the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron runs low from blood loss (heavy periods, bleeding in the gut), from too little iron in the diet, from poor absorption, or from the extra needs of pregnancy and fast growth in young children. The red cells become small and pale.
For the nurse
Teach iron-rich foods (red meat, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals). Oral iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach and with vitamin C; it turns stools dark green or black and can cause constipation. Liquid iron can stain teeth, so it is taken through a straw and followed by brushing.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | IDA |
|---|---|
| Spanish | anemia ferropénica |
| Also written | iron deficiency anemia, iron-deficiency anaemia, IDA |
Related terms
hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
red blood cell
A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.
deficiency
A lack of something the body needs, such as a vitamin, mineral, hormone or enzyme.