A condition identified by the inadequacy of healthy red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues is known as anemia. The condition can lead to a feeling of extreme fatigue and weakness.

Here’s all you need to know about the risk factors and prevention tips for anemia.

Risk factors of anemia
Learning about the risk factors and prevention tips for anemia can help you know your chances of developing the condition, and if there are any, you can understand how to prevent it from happening.

There are several risk factors associated with anemia. Here are some of them:

• Age
  As per the WHO, children in their preschool years and toddlers are at the greatest risk of developing anemia. This is mainly due to receiving inadequate nutrition during these years. At this time, children are growing, and hence, their body requires more iron. But many children do not receive an adequate amount of iron, which is essential for growth. At this age, children often receive dairy products in abundance. Yet, iron supply is deficient, which increases the risk of developing anemia in children at this age.

• Gender
  Women experience blood loss during their menstrual cycle. Also, their body requires higher amounts of blood during pregnancy for the development of the fetus. These are a few factors that put women at a greater risk of developing anemia than men.

• History of bleeding complications and long-term illnesses
  If a person has been suffering from a long-term illness, their chances of developing anemia can also increase. Conditions such as AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, etc. have been known to improve patients’ risk of anemia. Excessive bleeding due to a surgery and gastrointestinal tract bleeding can also contribute to the development of anemia.

Tips to prevent anemia
Several types of anemia can be prevented with some important lifestyle and dietary changes. These tips can include the following:

• Include iron-rich foods to your diet
  Iron-deficiency anemia can be fought by adding iron-rich foods to your diet. These can include leafy-greens, tofu, lentils, cereals, bread, and beans.

• Include vitamin C to your diet
  Including foods and drinks that are loaded with vitamin C can help you prevent anemia at bay.

• Avoid tea or coffee
  You must avoid the consumption of tea or coffee in between meals. These beverages can affect the absorption of iron from the body.

• Include B12 and folic acid in your diet
  Including vitamin B12 and folic acid to your diet is essential to keep anemia at bay. Therefore, include foods that are loaded with these to your diet.