The type of anemia must be identified through a
complete diagnostic workup
(including a comprehensive
laboratory analysis of the blood) by
a qualified health care
professional, in order to render
appropriate treatment. Once
the type of anemia is determined,
the underlying causes are then
treated. Routine blood tests are
also performed to determine when the
blood count returns to normal.
For
iron-deficiency anemia,
treatment usually consists of iron
supplementation. The preferred
iron preparation is iron ferrous
salts, such as ferrous succinate or
fumarate. Less commonly,
treatment may involve iron
injections for several months to
replace iron reserves. Severe cases
of anemia may require blood
transfusion. Foods rich in
iron should be eaten including
liver, green leafy vegetables,
blackstrap molasses, dried beans,
lean meat, organ meats, dried fruits, including dried apricots, almonds,
and shellfish. Foods that
prevent iron absorption should be
avoided. These include; wheat bran, egg
yolks, coffee, and tea. Overuse of
calcium supplements and antacids can
also decrease iron absorption and should
be restricted.
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Supplements helpful for Anemia |
Hydrolyzed (Liquified)
Liver Extract
Liver extract is an
effective natural treatment for all types of anemia (3).
Liver contains many elements that
have been shown to stimulate
normal red blood cell production.
Liver extracts include all the
benefits of liver but not the
fats, cholesterol, and fat-soluble
vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C
supplementation has been shown to
assist the body in absorbing dietary
iron, thereby increasing body iron stores
(4).
A deficiency in vitamin C can
result in the development of
several different types of anemia.
Hydrochloric
Acid
Many anemia patients
do not have enough hydrochloric
acid secretion in their stomachs (3).
Hydrochloric acid deficiency can
impede digestion and nutrient
absorption, including iron. Hydrochloric
acid deficiency is common among
the elderly and may be an
appropriate supplementation with
meals.
Trace Minerals
(Copper, Zinc, Selenium)
Trace minerals such
as copper, zinc and selenium
improve the oxygen transport
abilities of red blood cells and
may reduce the
effect of anemia
on normal blood cell function (5).
Studies show that copper
deficiency can prevent the release
of iron from storage sites,
an action which is known to
contribute to the onset of iron-deficiency anemia
(6).
Supplementation with too much zinc
can induce copper deficiency (7).
Folic Acid and
Vitamin B12
Low levels of folic
acid and vitamin B12 can induce
anemia (8-10).
Folic acid deficiency is
effectively treated with folic
acid and vitamin B12 oral
supplementation. Vitamin B12
deficiency is often treated with
intramuscular injections, although
oral and sublingual preparations
are also available.
Vitamin B6
Studies show that
hemodialysis patients, suffering
from hypochromic, microcytic anemia, and
patients with sickle cell anemia
may be helped with Vitamin B6
(pyridoxine) supplementation (11,
12).
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