Nutritional guidelines for patients with iron deficiency

Abstract

Iron deficiency occurs when nutritional iron reserves are used up mainly as a result of a negative balance between intake and requirements. When iron deficiency is severe, the patient evolves with iron deficiency anaemia. Replacement of iron reserves is normally by means of a medicinal supplement. One low cost alternative that does not present unwanted side effects is nutritional education which aims at quantitatively and qualitatively improving the consumption of foods and thus provide a healthy diet. The current study presents nutritional guidelines both for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. It is important that an evaluation of dietary intake is made and that dietary counseling is followed to assist treatment and to change eating habits, thereby preventing the recurrence of iron deficiency. The most vulnerable groups for iron deficiency warrant special attention, and include children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age.