Iron deficiency anemia is indeed a common type of anemia characterized by a lack of adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues, and they contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body.

Iron is an essential component for the production of hemoglobin. When there is insufficient iron in the body, the bone marrow is unable to produce enough hemoglobin, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a reduced ability to carry oxygen. This results in various symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and cold hands and feet.

Iron deficiency can occur due to several reasons, including inadequate dietary intake of iron-rich foods, poor absorption of iron from the diet, increased iron requirements (e.g., during pregnancy or rapid growth), or chronic blood loss (e.g., from heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding). It is more common in certain populations, including women of childbearing age, infants and young children, and individuals with poor dietary habits.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia usually involves addressing the underlying cause and replenishing iron stores in the body. This is typically achieved through dietary changes, iron supplementation, or, in severe cases, intravenous iron therapy. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of iron deficiency anemia..

Iron is a component that is required for oxygen transport within hemoglobin.It’s also required for red blood cell formation. If your iron stores and your hemoglobin drop really low, you may be experiencing weakness and breathlessness and loss of strength.  Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health. 

You've provided some helpful dietary recommendations for improving iron intake and absorption, especially for individuals with low iron or anemia. Including a variety of iron-rich foods in your diet is indeed essential for replenishing iron stores.

Meat sources, such as red meat, lean red meats like steak and ground beef, chicken, and seafood, contain heme iron, which is highly absorbable by the body. Incorporating two to three servings of these protein sources per week can be beneficial for individuals looking to increase their iron intake.

For non-heme iron sources like leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale, and broccoli), it's important to consume them alongside a vitamin C source to enhance iron absorption. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, grapefruits) or strawberries can help improve the absorption of non-heme iron.

It's worth noting that while these dietary strategies can be helpful, it's always a good idea to consult a local registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized advice. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and help you create a well-balanced diet plan to address low iron or anemia effectively.