Anemia occurs in a person who has a lower level of red cells in the blood. These cells contain hemoglobin, which is the important molecule that carries the oxygen directly into the blood. When these cells are lower than normal, the result is less oxygen traveling into the blood stream. Anemia can be caused by any things, from excessive bleeding, the destruction of the red cells or by the body producing less of these cells. Anemia can also be caused by an iron deficiency, or a Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.

The red blood cells are produced from the bone marrow, and many nutrients are needed to produce these cells. Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 are three very important vitamins that help in the production of red cells. These are given to the body in many of the foods we eat, and iron is also naturally recycled out of the red cells that die in the body. Except in the case of infant children, diets that are deficient in iron, which is found mostly from red meat, will not cause anemia. Basically, the main cause of iron-deficiency anemia occurs when prolonged bleeding of the body happens. When this occurs, the body cannot recycle the iron from the blood, causing the iron to drop to too low of a level. One cause of chronic bleeding that can cause anemia is the menstrual cycle in women before menopause occurs. In men, the most common cause is usually from bleeding in the stomach, for example a polyp. Other causes may be from cancer in the large bowel and peptic ulcers.

Chronic diseases can also cause anemia because of an iron-deficiency. Such diseases include infections, those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as well as those with cancer. This occurs because the red cells that are in the process of development in the bone marrow are not able to use the iron stored in the body.

The red blood cells also need the vitamins B12 and folic acid to help mature them. If these vitamins are lacking in the body, anemia can develop known as megaloblastic anemia. This type of anemia causes the cells to become larger and abnormal, also called megoblast cells. The biggest cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency that develops into anemia is called “pernicious anemia”. This occurs when there is not enough absorption of the vitamin in a person’s diet, usually because of little meat and vegetable consumption.

Folic acid is another vitamin important to the diet, and more people lack this vitamin than vitamin B12. This deficiency can also lead to megoblastic anemia. Folic acid is also found in fresh fruits and vegetables, and a diet low in this can lead to low levels of folic acid.

The symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, trouble breathing, feeling dizzy, and a weak but rapid pulse. A deficiency in iron can cause the tongue to become inflamed, cracking of the mouth; especially on the sides, deformities in the fingernails, and pica, which is a craving for non-foods such as ice or dirt. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a person to have damage to the nerves, a sore tongue, depression, pigmented skin and can confusion to occur. A deficiency in folic acid can cause fetal malformations to occur in unborn babies as well as neurological abnormalities in infants. Because of this, a diet high in folic acid should be consumed when pregnant, or supplements should be taken.

A varied diet should be eaten to help those who have anemia. For meat-eaters, plenty of raw produce should be eaten. Since vegetarians are at a higher risk of anemia, B12 supplements should be taken. Pregnant women need to take both iron and folic acid supplements to ensure the health of their unborn child. Doctors also recommend women to take folic acid supplements before they try to conceive.

Anemia can typically be treated with the right supplements. If anemia is caused because of bleeding, then the underlying cause of the blood loss will need to be examined and cured to begin treatment of the anemia.

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• What Level Of Vitamin B12 Would Be Considered Anemic?
• The Connection Between Pernicious Anemia and Vitamin B12
• Pernicious Anemia and the Lack of B12
• The Importance of Vitamin B12 in the Treatment of Endometriosis
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