Nutritional Anemia Types and Management

Abstract

Background: Nutritional anemia or anemia due to dietary causes is the most common form, yet, it is  the easiest to manage compared to other forms of anemia. Some of the most common nutritional deficiencies are iron, cobalamin, folate, and also other elements like copper. Anemia due to diet is mostly asymptomatic in the initial phase until the stores are depleted, which can take a few months to several years, depending upon the cause.  Methodology:      We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE fromJanuary 1987 toMarch 2017. The following search terms were used: nutritional anemia, dietary anemia, iron deficiency anemia, cobalamin deficiency, folic acid deficiency anemia, dietary anemia treatment Aim of the work: In this study we aimed at understanding the different types of anemia caused as a result of dietary deficiency. We also briefly studied their presentation, pathophysiology, and treatment.  Conclusion: Various causes of anemia, presentations, and complications associated with the different types of nutritional anemia, which is considered the easiest to treat and manage. Most cases are due to an underlying occult disorder rather than simple dietary insufficiency. Diagnosis can be more difficult in some cases, and require thorough history and investigations and integration to reach to an accurate conclusion and consequently treat the underlying cause.