Anemia is a condition of the blood which can cause tiredness and other health complications. Here we take a brief look at the causes and effects of anemia. We also examine four vitamins/nutrient supplements which can mitigate this health condition.
The Causes and Effects of Anemia
Anemia is a condition wherein a person’s blood has an insufficient amount of red blood cells, or insufficient hemoglobin within them, which are needed in order to properly deliver oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells which transports oxygen from the lungs to every other organ in the body.
Anemia can result from a lack of red blood cell or hemoglobin production within the body, excessive bleeding, or from the body’s own destruction of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. However, there are distinct types of anemia with different causes. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body has insufficient iron, and often results from blood loss or in pregnancy. Anemia of inflammation is caused by inflammatory disease, and sickle cell anemia results from irregular red blood cell formation. In some cases, anemia is simply the result of vitamin deficiency.
Anemia can be mild, with no symptoms. If it progresses, anemia can cause a multitude of symptoms, among them tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, and headaches. Anemia merits medical diagnosis, and treatment via lifestyle and diet changes, or through specific medical therapies. Untreated anemia can lead to complications such as severe tiredness, heart problems, and pregnancy complications.
Supplements to Allay Anemia
Vitamin and nutrient intake can have an influence on the development and severity of anemia. The right dietary supplement could make an impact on this condition, perhaps even to a significant degree. Following are brief summations of four of the top vitamins and nutrients which can help alleviate the effects and symptoms of anemia:
Folic acid is a form of folate (vitamin B9) available in supplement form. Some cases of anemia result from the body’s deficiency of this vitamin. Those with folate-deficiency anemia could benefit from supplementing with folic acid. This can help remedy the issue of insufficient blood cells and reduce the symptoms of folate-deficiency anemia.
Vitamin C supplementation can provide many benefits. In the case of iron-deficiency anemia, a vitamin C supplement is helpful because this vitamin enables the body to effectively absorb iron.
Vitamin B12 can be helpful for those with vitamin deficiency anemia. In some cases, this is deemed pernicious anemia, a specific condition where the body can’t properly absorb vitamin B12. Those with pernicious anemia may have to supplement with this vitamin all their lives in order to be in good health.
Iron bis-glycinate, or simply iron glycinate, is one of the best forms of iron that is recommended for iron deficiency anemia. This is because it is one of the more easily absorbed forms of iron. Taking iron can cause side effects in some people, so this should be taken only under supervision of your medical care provider.
Anemia is a condition that can become serious if untreated. The right supplemental vitamins and nutrients can make a significant positive effect if used in tandem with proper treatment and lifestyle patterns. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement to address anemia, or any medical condition.