Anaemia & Fatigue: Role of Taurine

Abstract

Anaemia is a state in which there is a decreased production of red blood cells (RBCs) or a decreased concentration of haemoglobin in the RBCs. This consequently affects RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity to meet the body’s physiologic demands. Globally, iron deficiency is considered to be the most common cause of anaemia but other nutritional deficiencies, acute and chronic inflammation, parasitic infections and inherited or acquired disorders that affect haemoglobin synthesis, red blood cell production or red blood cell survival, can all cause anaemia. Anaemia roughly affects a third of the world’s population out of which half the cases are due to iron deficiency. It is a major and global public health concern that affects maternal and child mortality, physical performance and referral to health-care professionals. Oral iron is readily available, convenient and inexpensive treatment option for anaemia management. Fatigue is considered as the cardinal symptom of anaemia which needs to be addressed along with increasing haemoglobin. This article highlights the roles played by taurine in increasing the effectiveness of oral iron for increasing hemoglobin in iron deficiency anaemia treatment.