Iron deficiency (iron chlorosis) is a common problem and can cause serious problems to plant health and vigour. The symptoms however are easy to both recognise and treat. Iron deficiency first appears as a ‘veiny’ look on new growth, with a darker green pigmentation retained on the leaf veins and the rest of the leaf developing a pale or yellowish green colour.
Iron deficiency can be more common in pot plants as their roots are limited to the nutrients that are available in the pot. Iron is essential for healthy plant growth and disease resistance. Iron can be lost from plants’ roots with excessive watering, long periods of rainfall and soil saturation, but the most common cause of iron deficiency is a high (or alkaline) soil pH. Iron becomes soluble in water, and therefore available to plants, when the soil pH is acidic, or of a pH of 6 or lower. When the pH increases to 7 or higher, the iron in the soil solidifies and becomes ’locked up’ in the soil.
Symptoms of an Iron Deficiency Anemia
-- Paleness or bad pallor
-- Headaches
-- Heavy menstrual bleeding
-- Abnormal tiredness or fatigue
-- Brittle nails
-- Strange food cravings
-- Breathlessness
-- Coldness of the extremities
-- Depression
-- Dizziness
How to Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia
It is essential for a doctor to determine the underlying cause of an iron deficiency, and each case is treated based on the doctor’s conclusions. Do not attempt to self treat iron deficiency anemia since iron deficiency is always caused by an underlying illness.
Iron supplementation may be required-but only under a doctor’s supervision. Taking too much iron unnecessarily can lead to excessive storage of iron and serious health problems, including heart and liver damage. Also, if you are losing blood due to a disease such as colon cancer, supplements might mask the problem and delay the diagnosis.
If iron supplements are prescribed, be sure to take them for the full term recommended by your doctor, even if you begin to feel well again. After the anemia is cured, your body needs to replenish its reserve stores of iron, which may take three months or more.
Note that absorption of medicinal iron is decreased by milk and antacids.
Iron may be given by intravenous injection in patients who cannot tolerate oral iron therapy.
In very rare and severe cases, iron deficiency anemia may be severe enough to require a transfusion of red cells.
Proper nutrition, including foods that are rich in iron, is important for children and adults. Good eating habits can help prevent iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.