Tips: Always fatigued? It may be anemia

Are you a woman over 50 who always feels tired and listless? Don't assume this is a normal part of aging. It may be anemia, and it may be treatable.

Anemia is a condition in which there are too few red blood cells. Symptoms can include dizziness, irritability and fatigue. You may also have trouble concentrating.

Anemia is often a byproduct of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. There may also be genetic factors, for example, in the case of sickle-cell anemia. But anemia can be caused simply because you're not eating enough foods with the necessary nutrients. Overall, the risk of anemia increases as a person ages, even in the absence of any additional chronic conditions. More women than men have anemia, with about 10 percent of women over the age of 65 affected by the condition, according to the American Dietetic Association.

A study in the April issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association investigated the link between anemia and diet. After analyzing data on 72,000 women ages 50 to 79, researchers found that those with anemia typically reported lower intakes of protein, folate, vitamin B-12, iron, vitamin C and red meat.

"There are clearly non-nutritional reasons why people get anemic," said the study's lead investigator, Cynthia Thomson, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson. "It's the nutritional factors that we can intervene on and make a difference not only in terms of preventing anemia but also in terms of enhancing treatment."

While a blood test can determine whether you have anemia, it takes more investigating to find out if the causes are solely dietary. If it is a lack of nutrients, eating a diet rich in whole grains, leafy green vegetables and lean meats may be prescribed. Interestingly, researchers found that "multivitamin-mineral supplements are not associated with lower rates of anemia," concluding that "quality of the diet" should be a clinical focus.

If you suspect you have anemia, get it checked out. "If anemia persists over time, it can actually lead to cardiovascular disease," Thomson said. It can also increase the risk of falls and fractures.

For tips on nutrition and anemia go to the association's website, eatright.org. The National Anemia Action Council offers information at anemia.org.