Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Iron deficiency anemia will cause weakness and then subsequently all the other problems that you mentioned about him will creep up. For low blood sugars he needs to take small meals at frequent intervals, ie once in 2 hours. Iron tablets can help restore iron levels in the body. If possible, he should take iron tablets on an empty stomach, which helps the body absorb them better. If they upset his stomach, he can take them with meals. He may need to take the supplements for several months.
Iron supplements may cause
constipation or black stools. Diets that include the following foods can help treat or prevent iron deficiency:
1. dark green, leafy vegetables
2. dried fruits
3. nuts
4. iron-fortified cereals.
Additionally,
vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. If you’re taking iron tablets, a doctor might suggest taking the tablets along with a source of vitamin C, such as a glass of orange juice or citrus fruit. Just try to find out the cause, in case there is any bleeding in stools that has to be corrected at first. When caused by inadequate iron intake, iron deficiency anemia can be prevented by eating a diet high in iron-rich foods and vitamin C.
1. beans
2. pumpkin and squash seeds
3. leafy greens, such as spinach
4. raisins and other dried fruit
5. iron-fortified dry and instant cereals.
Foods high in vitamin C include (it will help to combat anemia):
1. fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, kiwis, guavas, papayas, pineapples, melons, and mangoes
2. broccoli
3. red and green bell peppers
4. Brussels sprouts
5. cauliflower
6. tomatoes
7. leafy greens.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.