Many teens have days packed with school, homework, extracurricular activities and social events. If you're one of those teens, it's no wonder you're tired. But something more serious could be to blame if you're tired all of the time. Teens are at an increased risk of developing anemia, a condition that can cause you to feel weak, irritable, tired and cold, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Science.
Cause of Anemia
Your red blood cells contain an iron-based protein called hemoglobin, which helps them carry oxygen throughout your body. Anemia develops when you don't have enough red blood cells to properly transport oxygen to your tissues and organs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may occur if your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells or if your body loses red blood cells faster than it can replace them.
Types of Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia, which develops when you don't get enough iron, is the most prevalent type of anemia in American teens, according to TeensHealth from Nemours. An iron deficiency is the precursor of anemia. If you continue to have a deficiency and don't replenish your iron stores, production of the the iron-based protein that helps your body get enough oxygen could be impaired. In addition, you can develop anemia if you don't get sufficient vitamin B-12 or folic acid.
Risk Factors
You're susceptible to anemia during your teen years because you may not get the large amount of nutrients -- including iron -- needed to support your cells' needs during rapid growth spurts. You're especially prone to iron-deficiency anemia if you're a girl, because you lose iron during your periods. You may also be more likely to develop anemia if you're a vegetarian, because red meat is the richest and best-absorbed iron source, according to TeensHealth.
Dietary Changes
You may reduce your risk of anemia by getting enough iron in your diet. Start your day with an iron-fortified bread of cereal, and include lean meat, raisins, eggs, beans and spinach in other meals throughout the day. Further reduce your risk of deficiency-related anemia by getting vitamin B-12 from cheese, tuna and meats and folic acid from grains, leafy greens and fortified orange juice. Your doctor may recommend that you take a dietary supplement if she suspects that you aren't getting enough from foods. You can also improve your body's ability to absorb iron if you take your supplement with a juice that has vitamin C, so drink a cup of grapefruit or orange juice with your pill.
