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Chapter 7: Problem 5

A young woman has been experiencing unusually heavy menstrual bleeding for several years. She follows a strict vegan diet (no animal foods). She is at risk for what disorder, and why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The young woman is at risk for iron deficiency anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding depleting her body's iron stores and her strict vegan diet potentially not providing enough iron-rich foods. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health issues.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying the disorder

The young woman is at risk for iron deficiency anemia, which can occur due to heavy menstrual bleeding and a strict vegan diet lacking iron-rich foods.
02

Explaining the role of heavy menstrual bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding can result in the loss of a significant amount of blood. Blood contains red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body's tissues. When blood loss is higher than usual, the body's iron stores (which are essential for the production of the hemoglobin in red blood cells) become depleted, leading to anemia.
03

Discussing the strict vegan diet

A strict vegan diet may not provide enough iron, especially if the individual is not conscious of consuming iron-rich plant-based foods. The human body absorbs two types of iron: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found in animal-based foods, while non-heme iron is found in plant-based foods. Since the young woman is following a strict vegan diet, her iron intake may not be sufficient to compensate for the blood loss due to her heavy menstruation.
04

Highlighting the risk of iron deficiency anemia

Due to her heavy menstrual bleeding and the possible insufficient iron intake from her strict vegan diet, the young woman is at risk for iron deficiency anemia. Consequently, her body may not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other health issues.
05

Solutions or recommendations

The young woman should consult with a doctor or a nutritionist about her diet and menstrual bleeding. It is important that she incorporates iron-rich plant-based foods such as spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals into her diet to ensure she has enough iron intake. Additionally, she may be advised to take iron supplements if necessary. It is crucial to address the underlying cause of her heavy menstrual bleeding to reduce the associated health risks, including iron deficiency anemia.

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