Ways to fight against anaemia
ANAEMIA is a health condition where there is an insufficient amount of healthy red blood cells in the body. It is often the result of nutritional deficiency but can also be related to genetics and chronic diseases.
One of the most common types of anaemia is iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), which is caused by lack of iron.
Anaemia can negatively affect physical performance, particularly work productivity in adults, as a result of reduced oxygen transport associated with anaemia and reduced cellular oxidative capacity associated with iron deficiency.
Low body iron stores were significantly associated with low performances in cognitive executive planning function.
Due to the depletion of iron stores in the body, people in the workplace tend to get tired easily, experience inability to focus and concentrate at work, leaving the workforce less productive and impairing an individual’s cognitive development.
Cognitive development refers to the construction of thought processes including remembering, problem-solving and decision-making which all contribute to being good and effective at one’s work.
Over the years, several studies have shown that IDA has a negative impact on cognition, behaviour and motor skills.
A recent study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, conducted in women ages 18 to 35 of various iron status assessed by using eight cognitive performance tasks, showed that iron status is a significant factor in cognitive performance in women of their age.
Severity of anaemia primarily affects processing speed and the severity of iron deficiency affects accuracy of cognitive function over a broad range of tasks. The findings revealed that iron deficiency affects how well we do simple and complex cognitive tasks, whereas anaemia affects how fast we complete those tasks.
To tackle anaemia and maintain productivity at work, the proactive thing one can do is to seek medical help upon learning the symptoms.
The most common symptom of anaemia is fatigue, which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen to every part of the body, resulting in the inability of cells and tissues to work properly.
It is one of the reasons why one becomes easily fatigued, dizzy, or even experiences fainting spells, which could interfere with work and daily routine.
Win the productivity war in the workplace through sufficient iron intake – maintain healthy iron stores and healthy haemoglobin levels in the body essential for alertness, focus and concentration, in addition to supporting your immune defence.
With proper diet, nutrition and exercise and with the help of iron supplements, the incidences of anaemia can be reduced. Consult a physician to treat the causes and deal with the symptoms.
When iron deficiency anaemia is not treated, it may become severe enough to affect our daily lives.
Merck is organising complimentary haemoglobin tests at selected pharmacies nationwide to raise awareness on anaemia to consumers.
This article is brought to you by Merck Sdn Bhd. The information contained herein is not intended or designed to diagnose, prevent, treat or provide a cure for any condition or disease, to ascertain the state of your health or be substituted for medical care.
Merck encourages you to seek the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns arising from the information in this article.