It leaves you feeling tired, worn down and out of breath. And no, we don’t mean a workout at the gym. We took a closer look at some of the common triggers of the energy-zapping condition that leaves millions around the world longing for their beds.
- Menstruation.
Heavy periods cause the loss of red blood cells, with women of reproductive age having an increased chance of iron deficiency anaemia compared to men and postmenopausal women.
- Pregnancy.
Pregnant women commonly develop mild iron deficiency anaemia due to their bodies needing extra iron to provide oxygen, nutrients and blood supply to their baby.
- Pernicious anaemia.
The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK, this autoimmune condition stops the body from absorbing vitamin B12 from food.
- Inherited anaemia.
Some types of anaemia are genetic with some babies affected from birth. People with a family history of conditions like sickle cell anaemia, could have a greater risk of the condition.
- Age.
People over age 65 have more chance of developing vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency anaemia often due to poor diets and other medical conditions.
- A poor diet.
Over time, a diet that is constantly low in this essential mineral as well as vitamin B-12 and folate (vitamin B9) can increase your chances of developing anaemia.
- Medication
Medicines can prevent the body from absorbing all the vitamins it needs. These include anticonvulsants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen which can cause bleeding in the stomach.
- Bowel disease.
Conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease and Ulcerative colitis can affect the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, putting you at risk of anaemia.
- Chronic diseases.
Kidney disease and gastrointestinal cancer can lead to a shortage of red blood cells, leaving sufferers more likely to develop anaemia.
- Stomach ulcers.
Stomach ulcer can cause the stomach lining to bleed, draining the body's store of iron.
Shop our Vitamins & Supplements range.