Who has the highest risk of developing anemia?

What is Anemia?

Anemia, characterized by a lower-than-normal red blood cell count and insufficient hemoglobin levels, affects approximately 25% of the population, or 1.6 billion people worldwide [1].

Iron-deficiency anemia represents the most common etiology; however, the causes are diverse and can be based on a patient’s health and/or geographic status [2]. Disease, infections, and malnutrition are the leading causes of anemia in developing countries.

Blood loss, poor red blood cell production, or elevated red blood cell destruction rates may cause anemia. Women of childbearing age represent one of the highest risk groups for developing anemia, as they are affected by blood loss due to menstruation or increased hemoglobin needs due to pregnancy.

Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide back for exhalation.

Guided therapy using hemoglobin concentration measurement and monitoring can be practical for managing anemic patients. It forms the basis for an individualized, tailored form of treatment.

The most at-risk patients for developing anemia

Numerous risk factors for anemia exist, including age, gender, geography, and health status. Gender and age are perhaps the most significant risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia, with women and children at a higher risk of developing anemia.

Also, increased blood loss, such as from surgery, heavy menstruation, or increased demand during multiple pregnancies, is a common predictor of anemic risk. Young children are also at a high risk for anemia due to a lack of iron-rich food choices, while having elevated hemoglobin needs to manage their growth at the same time.

Young children

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), toddlers and children of preschool age have the highest prevalence of anemia, at 47.4% of their population group, mainly due to nutritional choices [1].

Children require more iron for growth and development, yet many receive less than their recommended daily value. Children in this age group often receive a good supply of dairy, yet this food group lacks adequate iron. It can ultimately increase the child’s risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia [5].

Iron-fortified foods, like commercial cereals, are recommended for children 6 months and older to help reduce anemia risk. Cow’s milk should not be the sole choice for infants 12 months or younger.

Pregnant women and women of childbearing age

Due to blood loss experienced through menstruation and the greater demands on the blood supply for the developing fetus during pregnancy, women tend to suffer from a high rate of anemic risk, with a global prevalence of around 42% within their population group [1].

Women of childbearing age are the population with the most affected individuals, with an estimated 468 million being non-pregnant women, according to WHO [1], and are the highest at-risk population group for iron-deficiency anemia. People with illness and surgery-related bleeding complications

Long-term illness can also increase a patient’s risk of becoming anemic. Diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cardiovascular disease have been associated with a higher prevalence of anemia. Malaria, schistosomiasis, and hemoglobinopathies are other main contributors [6,7,8,9].

Bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract and bleeding from surgery or injury are common causes of anemia. In these cases, hemoglobin levels should be monitored via hemoglobin analyzers to guide treatment. Supplementary iron may help combat anemia; patients should seek advice from their medical consultants.

Malnourished people from developing nations

The incidences of malnourishment, infections, disease, and frequent pregnancies all play a role in the greater anemia risk for people living in developing nations [4].

Expanding initiatives that include nutrition and pregnancy support have been proposed to help fight the prevalence of anemia in these countries.

Treating anemia

The primary goal of anemia treatment is to increase the amount of oxygen the blood can carry by increasing hemoglobin. The most effective approach is to address the underlying cause(s) of anemia in the individual patient.

The often multifactorial nature of anemia may require an integrated therapy, including treating disorders and improving the patient´s iron status.

Treatment may include adjusting nutrient quality by increasing the intake of nutrient-rich foods and using vitamin supplements to improve iron absorption.

Iron supplementation is the most common treatment method for iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin C, which helps patients absorb iron, may also be used in a treatment protocol.

Folic acid, which is particularly important for pregnant women, and vitamin B12 are key nutrients that many physicians use as part of their protocol to approach anemia. To guide a successful treatment program, healthcare professionals may require a hemoglobin analyzer to determine precise hematological needs.

Hemoglobin testing for patient management

Anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, remains a significant issue worldwide. While more initiatives are being implemented to prevent anemia, focusing on better nutrition and iron-fortified foods, an increasing and ageing population, and an increase in the number of years lived with disability keep up the challenge [10].

Designing a proper individualized treatment approach based on the patient’s health status relies on precise and accurate hemoglobin testing. Hemoglobin testing can be an efficient, helpful method for determining these at-risk individuals’ current anemic status and treatment needs.

Tools such as EKF Diagnostics’ hemoglobin analyzers are commonly used in the clinical setting to provide quantitative hemoglobin readings within seconds of testing. They offer almost instant insight into a patient’s state of health and provide tight monitoring and success control during the treatment course.