How to Treat Vitamin-Deficiency Anemias

Anemia is a blood condition where red blood cells and hemoglobin reach low levels, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, low energy levels, pale skin and brittle nails. Anemia is often the result of certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, most notable vitamin B-12, vitamin C and iron. By finding the proper vitamin and mineral supplement, you may be able to treat your specific type of anemia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Health care professional such as a physician
• Blood tests to determine hemoglobin and red blood cell levels
• Foods that are high in vitamin B-12, folic acid, iron and vitamin C
• Vitamin and mineral supplements

Treat Vitamin-Deficiency Anemias

1. Schedule a visit with your doctor to determine if you have one of the anemias that are caused by a vitamin deficiency. Your doctor will perform blood work that will isolate certain anemias based on hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts and red blood cell size and distribution.
2. Ask your doctor to help you develop a diet plan that will incorporate vitamin-rich foods, as well as an effective vitamin and mineral supplement, in order to treat your vitamin-deficiency anemia. While many anemias are caused by an iron deficiency, high dosages of B-12 have also resulted in an improvement in hemoglobin and red blood cell levels. Folic acid and vitamin C should also be considered in any type of supplement, since these substances aid the body in its ability to absorb iron.
3. Eat foods that are high in vitamin B-12, such as eggs, dairy products, meat and shellfish. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you should consider dry cereals that have been fortified with B-12.
4. Add foods to your diet that are high in vitamin C. These include broccoli, spinach, kiwifruit, guava, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, red pepper and parsley. Note that high dosages of vitamin C, when mixed with iron supplements, may increase the chances of developing iron poisoning, so check with your doctor on an appropriate daily dose level.
5. Determine if you feel an improvement in your condition after using vitamin and mineral supplements to treat your anemia. You should notice an improvement in your stamina, as well as a healthier tone to your skin. Your nail beds should become less brittle and your nails should resume normal growth patterns.

Tips & Warnings

• Vitamin B-12 and vitamin C are both water soluble, which means that higher dosages can be taken since the body will flush out what it can't use. Be aware that "megadoses" of vitamin C may have a laxative effect and that B-12 in large amounts may cause frequent urination, as well as "hot flashes" and itchiness.