Food & Vitamins That Help Blood Formation

When your body cannot create an adequate amount of blood, the result is complete malaise. You will often feel tired, weak, dizzy and ill. Understanding the proper food and vitamins needed for blood formulation will go a long way toward reversing that downtrodden feeling. However, even if you don't feel sick, you may gain more energy from increasing your intake of these five vitamins in your diet.

B12

B12 aids greatly in blood formulation by helping the blood absorb iron. It is found exclusively in animal products such as fish, liver, milk, eggs and shellfish.

B6

Another B vitamin, B6 does not just help blood formulation. It also helps the body metabolize fats, aiding in weight loss. B6 foods include meat and fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes and leafy greens.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant responsible for promoting new cell growth throughout the body, including the blood. The most vitamin C--rich foods are citrus fruits, green vegetables, peppers and tomatoes.

Vitamin K

Without an adequate amount of vitamin K, the body cannot produce enough platelets in the blood to clot properly. Eat all the dark leafy greens and liver you can for a sufficient supply.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, found in meats, vegetables and whole-grain cereals, can ward off birth defects, metabolize proteins and help blood formation.

References

• National Institutes of Health
• Colorado State University