Dr Cory Couillard

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In developing countries, 50 percent of pregnant woman and about 40 percent of pre-school children are estimated to be anemic. Two billion people, over 30 percent of the world's population are anemic.  Infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, hookworm, schistosomiasis and malaria are known to exacerbate the occurrence of anemia.  Anemia is expensive to the overall productivity of an individual, family, community and nation.  The good news is that the treatment and prevention of anemia is both inexpensive and effective. Understanding iron deficiency anemia Iron is a required component in hundreds of enzymes and functions in the human body.  One of the most important functions is that iron aids in the transport of oxygen throughout the body.  Oxygen is required for proper fun...