Overview:
Haematinics are medicines used to treat and prevent anemia, a condition marked by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is essential for oxygen transport in the body, and its deficiency can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Haematinics provide the necessary nutrients for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Key Components of Haematinics:
1) Iron
Vital for hemoglobin synthesis.
Deficiency is common in women and children.
Supplements are available in oral or intravenous forms.
2) Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Required for red blood cell production and nervous system health.
Deficiency leads to pernicious anemia.
Commonly affects older adults and vegetarians due to dietary restrictions or absorption issues.
3) Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Essential for cell production, including red blood cells.
Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia.
Crucial during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
Mechanism of Action:
Haematinics provide the necessary nutrients required for erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
They work by:
Increase the availability of building blocks for hemoglobin synthesis.
Promote the proliferation and maturation of red blood cell precursors.
Correct nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to anemia.
Uses and Indications:
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment and prevention, especially in high-risk groups.
Pernicious Anemia and Other B12 Deficiency States: Due to dietary deficiencies, absorption issues, or certain autoimmune conditions.
Folic Acid Deficiency: Prevention and treatment, particularly in pregnant women to prevent birth defects.
Some common types of anaemia include:
1) Iron-deficiency Anemia:
Most common type, due to iron shortage for hemoglobin production.
Causes include poor diet, bad absorption, or increased demand (e.g., pregnancy).
2) Vitamin-deficiency Anemia:
Results from a lack of vitamins like B12 or folic acid needed for RBC production.
Pernicious anemia is a B12 deficiency due to no intrinsic factor for absorption.
3) Haemolytic Anemia:
RBCs are destroyed faster than made, due to inherited (e.g., sickle cell, thalassemia) or acquired reasons (e.g., autoimmune, infections).
4) Aplastic Anemia:
Rare, severe type; bone marrow fails to make enough RBCs.
Causes include radiation, certain drugs, or autoimmune diseases.
5) Chronic Disease Anemia:
Linked to long-term illnesses (e.g., kidney disease, cancer) affecting RBC production/survival.
6) Haemorrhagic Anemia:
From significant blood loss (trauma, surgery, heavy periods), depleting RBCs and iron.