What causes iron deficiency in the elderly?
Iron-deficiency is the second most common cause of anemia in the elderly. The most foremost reasons for iron deficiency in this age group are blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, medications, cancer therapies and poor absorption.
How is iron deficiency treated in the elderly?
Here are some of the common anemia treatments:
- Iron supplementation. Ferrous sulfate. Ferrous gluconate. Ferrous fumarate. Polysaccharide iron.
- B12 supplementation.
- Folate supplementation.
- Dietary considerations. Seafood. Red meats. Beans and whole grains. Vegetables.
- Blood transfusion.
- Treatment of underlying cause or condition.
Does iron absorption decrease with age?
Although physiological iron requirements do not differ between adult and elderly men and post-menopausal and elderly women there is growing evidence that iron metabolism is affected by the ageing process. Chronic low-grade inflammation leads to less efficient absorption through hepcidin regulation.
Should seniors avoid iron supplements?
The problem is that having a surplus of iron is also dangerous, and most older adults get the iron they need from diet alone. So there are many cases where taking iron supplements can actually be bad for your health. In fact, most older adults probably shouldn’t be taking iron supplements at all.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in the elderly?
Symptoms of anemia
- fatigue.
- weakness.
- shortness of breath.
- high heartrate.
- headaches.
- becoming paler, which is often first seen by checking inside the lower lids.
- lower blood pressure (especially if the anemia is caused by bleeding)
How much iron should an 80 year old woman take?
Although iron is an essential element for the human body, requirements for iron change with age. The recommended daily allowance for iron for adults over age 50 is 8 milligrams per day, regardless of sex.
How can seniors increase iron levels?
Iron deficiency anemia is usually treated in two ways, which involve increasing iron intake and treating any underlying conditions. Doctors may recommend using iron supplements to help correct iron intake levels. Supplements are often available over the counter. It is important to take the supplements as prescribed.
Should seniors take multivitamins with iron?
Gure noted that many seniors have low iron levels, and supplements that include iron can help mitigate potential deficiencies. “A general health maintenance approach would be that you can use any multivitamin that has iron in it on a daily basis, and it probably will be fine,” she said.
How can I help my body absorb iron?
You can enhance your body’s absorption of iron by drinking citrus juice or eating other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time that you eat high-iron foods. Vitamin C in citrus juices, like orange juice, helps your body to better absorb dietary iron. Vitamin C is also found in: Broccoli.
What food blocks iron absorption?
Foods That May Hinder Iron Absorption
- Phytate, or phytic acid, is found in foods like whole grains, cereals, soy, nuts and legumes ( 3 ).
- Even a small amount of phytate can significantly decrease iron absorption ( 1 , 3 ).
Do bananas block iron absorption?
The banana matrix does not affect iron absorption and is a potential effective target for genetic modification for iron biofortification.
What causes poor absorption of iron in older adults?
Inadequate intake or inadequate absorption of iron can occur in older patients who have poor diets, do not eat much meat, or who have subnormal levels of stomach acid. Stomach acid is hydrocloric acid or HCl and is vital to absorption of iron.
Does iron deficiency affect quality of life in the elderly?
Abstract Iron deficiency (ID) is relatively common among the elderly population, contributing substantially to the high prevalence of anemia observed in the last decades of life, which in turn has important implications both on quality of life and on survival.
What are the causes of iron deficiency?
Either diminished absorbable dietary iron or excessive loss of body iron can cause iron deficiency. Diminished absorption usually is due to an insufficient intake of dietary iron in an absorbable form.
What happens if you don’t have enough iron in your blood?
Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath. You can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation.