Investigating Nutritional Anaemias

What is the primary role of haematinics in the body?

Which of the following is NOT considered a haematinic?

When might haematinic measurements typically be requested?

What is a potential shortcoming of haematinic measurements?

Which of the following nutrients is involved in the absorption of iron?

What type of blood picture is typically associated with nutritional anaemias?

Which two vitamins are most commonly associated with nutritional anaemias?

What additional tests may be requested alongside haematinic measurements to aid in diagnosis?

Which component is essential in the transport of iron in the blood?

What can haematinic measurements promote in the body when administered?

Investigating Nutritional Anaemias

Nutritional anaemia results from deficiencies in nutrients essential for blood cell production.
Haematinics are nutrients needed by the haematopoietic tissue to produce blood cells.
Common haematinics include iron, vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and folate.
Iron measurements include ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation.
Cobalamin is also known as vitamin B12.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9.
Other B vitamins (B2, B3, B6) are also involved.
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Copper (through Hephaestin and ceruloplasmin), and Cobalt are also considered essential in blood cell production.
Haematinic measurements help identify nutritional anaemias. However, these measurements can lack the sensitivity and specificity for a definitive diagnosis.
Additional tests are often required to confirm diagnosis.
Complete Blood Count (FBC) and blood cell morphology are important considerations before haematinic measurements.
Haematinic treatments can promote reticulocyte response, increase haemoglobin concentrations, resolve cytopenias, and correct/partially correct clinically relevant symptoms.
Nutritional anaemias are often associated with microcytic or macrocytic blood pictures, although this isn't always the case.
Haematinic measurements may be performed in haematology or biochemistry laboratories, depending on the lab's structure.

This quiz delves into the causes and measurements of nutritional anaemias, focusing on essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Understand the role of haematinics in blood cell production and learn about the importance of diagnostic tests. Expand your knowledge on how deficiencies can affect health and the diagnostics used to identify these conditions.