Ask The Doctor: Anemia Help

I’m tired all the time and can’t get motivated to do anything, including go to the gym. My doctor suspects I’m anemic. What should I do?
—Karen, New York City

Anemia, caused by iron deficiency, is the leading nutritional deficiency in women in the US. As much as 25 percent of adult American females under the age of 65 have the condition, which is marked by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and trouble exercising or recovering from physical activity. Other symptoms include non-restful sleep (you wake up feeling more tired), skin that bruises easily, and pallor (pale gums, eyelids, and nail beds).

If you suspect you’re anemic, get tested. Your doctor will measure the amount of iron in your hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen and heme (iron) through the blood. Many women can have normal hemoglobin levels but still be iron deficient if their bodies’ iron stores, or ferritin, are too low, so be sure to ask your doctor to test your serum ferritin levels, too.

If your diagnosis is positive, increase your intake of iron-rich foods, such as dark, leafy greens; eggs; apricots; prunes; seaweed; and lean meats. Though be careful not to eat an excess amount of animal protein or fats. It’s hard to recover from anemia through diet alone, so supplement with 30 mg of iron daily (divided, on an empty stomach). Note: Liquid iron gluconate is more readily absorbed than solid iron pills and less constipating (the chief side effect of supplemental iron). If possible, take iron supplements in a formula or juice that contains vitamins C, B6, and B12, all of which help the body better assimilate the mineral.