Are Athletes At-Risk for Developing Iron Deficiency?

Wait right there! Thinking of skipping past this article because you don’t exactly consider yourself an athlete? Well, when it comes to iron deficiency in athletes, you don’t need to be a professional athlete or out running regular marathons, recreational athletes should know about the possible risks too. Iron deficiency in athletes is a bit … Continue reading Are Athletes At-Risk for Developing Iron Deficiency?

Vegetarian or Vegan Doesn’t Have to Mean Iron Deficiency…

Are you a vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian? What’s a flexitarian, you ask? According to the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary that officially listed the word in 2012, a flexitarian is “one whose normally meatless diet occasionally includes meat or fish”, in other words, a semi-vegetarian! With an estimated 4% of Canadians living a vegetarian lifestyle, as many … Continue reading Vegetarian or Vegan Doesn’t Have to Mean Iron Deficiency…

A Quick & Easy Guide to Choosing the Right Iron Supplement

So, you’re in need of an oral iron supplement and head to the pharmacy where you’re greeted by an overwhelming selection. How do you pick the right one without resorting to an impromptu game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe? Keeping in mind that every body is different (and a one-size-fits-all iron supplement does not exist), … Continue reading A Quick & Easy Guide to Choosing the Right Iron Supplement

Unusual Cravings to Consume Ice, Dirt or Clay Could Point to Iron Deficiency Anemia

We all remember that one kid growing up who would gross out the class by eating something that was never meant to be eaten, like dirt or sand at recess. You probably chalked it up to the kid being “weird” or “gross” and likely figured they were just doing it for attention, right? Well, what … Continue reading Unusual Cravings to Consume Ice, Dirt or Clay Could Point to Iron Deficiency Anemia

So, I’m Feeling Fine… Should I Stop Taking My Iron Supplement?

You know how the doctor always stresses that you should finish a round of antibiotics even if you feel better, yet you still sometimes stop the second your symptoms are gone? That’s pretty much how it goes for iron supplements too. People tend to take them as advised because they feel run down, but as … Continue reading So, I’m Feeling Fine… Should I Stop Taking My Iron Supplement?

Pre-Op Blood Management Can Aid in a Better Recovery

Last week was Blood Management Awareness Week (November 3 - 7) and, as part of a provincial patient blood management program, I think it’s only fitting to talk about blood management and iron deficiency, specifically how it relates to surgery. Few people realize that their blood health will play an important role when it comes … Continue reading Pre-Op Blood Management Can Aid in a Better Recovery