You probably think iron deficiency anemia is a major illness but it’s actually a lot less serious than it sounds. It’s very easy to overlook though as the symptoms are a lot like stress. Even so, it’s still an illness that needs treating. Would you know if you were anemic? Read on to find out more.

1. Do you get tired easily?

A) Yes and I’m often short of breath too

B) No, not really

C) Sometimes, but mostly I’m fine

2. Do people comment on your very pale complexion?

A) People often say I look like a ghost

B) People have started asking if I’m ill from time to time

C) No

3. Have you suddenly started getting palpitations or noises in the inner ear?

A) They started recently and are now more frequent

B) I only get them very occasionally

C) I’ve never had them

4. Have you recently had any of the following - an infection, chemotherapy or rheumatoid arthritis?

A) Yes, but not for a while

B) Yes, very recently

C) Not that I remember

5. Are your periods heavy?

A) Yes, they’ve always been heavy

B) No

C) They’ve recently become heavier

6. Do you eat leafy-green vegetables, liver, cereal and red meat?

A) I rarely eat those foods

B) I always eat those foods

C) I occasionally eat those foods

7. Have you recently had any routine blood tests?

A) I had one recently

B) I had one a while ago

C) I haven’t had one for ages

8. Do you drink much alcohol?

A) Yes, a fair amount

B) Only a moderate amount

C) I rarely or never drink

9. Do you drink caffeinated drinks?

A) I drink tea, coffee or fizzy drinks several times a day

B) I drink tea, coffee or fizzy drinks once a day

C) I rarely drink caffeine

10. Do you smoke?

A) I’m a heavy smoker

B) I’m a light smoker

C ) I rarely or never smoke

Answers

1) A = 3, B=1, C=2

2) A=3, B=2, C=1

3) A=3, B=2, C=1

4) A=2, B=3, C=1

5) A=3, B=1, C=2

6) A=3, B=1, C=2

7) A=1, B=2, C=3

8) A=3, B=2, C=1

9) A=3, B=2, C=1

10) A=3, B=2, C=1

 

Results

1-15 : You’re unlikely to be anemic

It’s pretty likely that you’re not suffering from anemia. You’re generally a healthy person who eats a balanced diet and are getting the nutrients, particularly iron, that is vital to prevent an iron deficiency. You also don’t or very rarely smoke and drink so you’re not blocking the nutrients from doing their job. If your periods aren’t heavy on a regular basis you’re unlikely to be losing enough blood to become anemic. Just remember to keep up the good work on the health front so you don’t become complacent and then become at risk of becoming iron deficient at a later date.

16-25 : You could well be anemic

You could be anemic given that you drink from time to time and are a light smoker. Both nicotine and alcohol stop whatever iron you get from your diet from being absorbed as effectively as it normally would, but seeing as you’re not nearly as bad as you could be your anemia (if you have it) is unlikely to be extreme. On the other hand, you could well be suffering from stress as the symptoms are pretty similar, and as your symptoms mostly only flare up from time to time, the indication here is that it’s more likely to be stress. Book yourself in for a routine blood test to check your iron count, just to be on the safe side. Better safe than sorry!

26-30: You’re likely to be anemic

Your answers indicate that you’re probably anemic. A ghostly white complexion and / or tiredness and being short of breath are major indications of iron deficiency. It seems that you are short of iron-rich foods in your diet. You also tend to drink and smoke heavily. Alcohol and nicotine both affect the absorption of iron, and as you’re getting little or no iron in your diet, this is a big concern. If you’ve always suffered from heavy periods or have suddenly developed much heavier periods, your lack of iron means you’re not replacing the lost blood, and over a period of time this can become dangerous. Your best bet is to book an appointment with your doctor and get a blood test done. This will confirm whether you’re anemic and your doctor can advise on the relevant treatment. Don’t panic though! It’s unlikely to require major treatment