Anemia refers to a group of common blood disorders. It results in the decreased ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Nutrition and supplements can help treat anemia, but figuring out which nutrient deficiency is causing your anemia is important. Read on to discover the symptoms and how to decrease the onset. 

What Are Symptoms of Anemia?

Anemia manifests as symptoms of:

  • Fatigue
  • Exhaustion after small amounts of activity
  • Headaches
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Coldness of the extremities
  • Dizziness
  • Sore mouth
  • Increased susceptibility to colds and flus

In more severe cases, heart palpitations and breathlessness occur as the body attempts to increase tissue oxygenation. Outward signs of anemia are pale skin, pale mucus membranes (especially in the inside of the eyelid), dry skin and brittle nails.

What Are The Types of Anemia?

There are several types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common, but it can also be caused by: large blood losses, small but recurrent blood loss (excess menstrual bleeding or ulcers), hypothyroidism, or long-term illnesses. 

Megaloblastic anemia is due to a deficiency of B12 and possibly folic acid. Restlessness, numbness and skin cracks on the sides of the mouth are signs of this type of anemia.

Anemia can be caused by disorders that decrease the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12, such as Crohn’s, Celiac disease and liver disease. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause pernicious anemia, which stems from the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12 in the stomach.

Anemia during pregnancy is a common occurrence; however, in many cases, it is caused by an increase in the volume of blood in her body rather than the blood's inability to carry oxygen.

When red blood cells are prematurely destroyed, this is referred to as Hemolytic anemia. The particular type of blood disorder is inherited. Symptoms include an enlarged spleen and jaundice. In addition, toxicity and poisoning can also cause anemia.

What Causes of Anemia?

Many different drugs can inhibit the absorption of B vitamins or iron, including antacids, oral contraceptives, diabetes medication, antibiotics, cholesterol medication and seizure mediation.

Anemia Supporting Supplements

To help increase iron intake: Eat leeks, raw green leafy vegetables, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, oats, corn, rye, apples, strawberries, grapes, blackstrap molasses and kidney or pinto beans.

To help increase B vitamins: Eat nutritional yeast, spirulina, green leafy vegetables (folic acid), meats and dairy products.

Avoid the following foods: most nuts and beans, cocoa, beer, candy, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Anemia prevention tea – Equal parts alfalfa and stinging nettle. Add red raspberry leaves for use in pregnancy. Drink 250-1000 mL daily.

You can also consider taking supplements. B12 supplements are safe to take without a blood test because they are water-soluble (excess will be excreted through urine); however, you must take a blood test and have a diagnosis from your doctor before taking iron supplements or seeking iron therapies.