Diseases

Role of Vitamins in the Prevention of Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition which affects the body’s ability to transport oxidized blood to other tissues. This is either because of a few red blood cells or because of too little hemoglobin. It results in pallor and fatigue. Researchers have found almost 400 types of different Anemia that can affect the human body.

Some kinds of Anemia are hereditary, and the children can be affected by it since birth. You will be surprised to know that almost 24% of the world’s population is affected by Anemia. The most affected category is preschool-age children.

Anemia is curable with the help of iron supplements, and it is used for decades for this purpose. The intake of regular iron facilitates the growth of RBCs and thus allows the person to recover from the disorder. But did you know that taking vitamins for anemia can also help you to improve from Anemia? Yes! Vitamin supplements are effective in combating Anemia.

Did You Know?

  • The word Anemia is the Greek term that means “lack of blood.”
  • The deficiency in iron or vitamin b12 are the significant reasons for the causes of Anemia
  • Chocolates are yummy and also, rich in iron. However, you cannot consume it because of the presence of large quantities of anthocyanins.

Deficiency of Vitamins for Anemia?

The lack of certain vitamins can significantly impact the levels of red blood cells in the human bloodstream. Therefore it is essential that you which vitamins can cause Anemia in the body.

 

[Also Read: Natural Treatments for Anemia]

1. Folate Deficiency Anemia

Folate or Vitamin B9 is an essential ingredient that we get from fruits and green vegetables. The lack of Folate in our diet can significantly result in Anemia(1). The body’s inability to absorb Folate from the food it consumes leads to this deficiency. The small intestine helps to absorb most of the nutrients from our diet. People who suffer from diseases affecting the organ have significant difficulty in absorbing Folate.

Include more citrus fruits, grains, dark leafy vegetables like spinach since they are a good source of iron. At the same time, you should know that drinking alcohol can decrease the absorption of Folate.

2. Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Anemia

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The deficiency of Vitamin B12 for Anemia is majorly caused due to the diet which lacks B-12. Eggs, meat, and milk are significant sources of B-12. This Anemia can be caused if you have any disorder in the small intestine which does not allow absorption of the same. In most cases, the organ is affected by the abnormal growth of bacteria or due to surgery. Intestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease can affect the body’s power to absorb Vitamin B-12.

3. Vitamin C Deficiency Anemia

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Vitamin C is majorly caused when the body is deprived of fruits and vegetables like berries, lemon, tomatoes, etc. Smoking is a significant reason why the body fails to absorb Vitamin C(2).

So here are some vital vitamins, the lack of which can cause Anemia. Now we will talk about what are the various side effects of consuming excess iron supplements.

[Also Read: Supplements to Treat Anemia]

What Are the Risks of Taking an Excess IRON Supplement?

Iron supplements are no doubt can be very helpful in your quest of recovering from Anemia. But consuming excess supplements will have some adverse effects on your body.

Side Effects

When taken in normal dosage, iron supplements might upset your stomach. It can also result in the change of stool and cause constipation. Digestive problems are common symptoms among those who take such a supplement.

Risks

It is always a good decision to consult your doctor and then consume iron supplements. This is even true when you are suffering from a chronic disease. Also, women who are planning to conceive should always consult with their doctor. The wrong dose of iron intake can seriously affect them and their health, which can affect their baby.

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Overdose

Iron supplement overdose is one of the significant causes of poisoning among children. It can be life-threatening. Iron contains antacids and other antibiotics as well in huge dose. These can cause vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, etc. weakness and bluish skin are also common symptoms when there is an overdose in iron.

So here are the various risks of consuming iron supplements in excess. Iron is very much beneficial in helping the human body to recover from Anemia. However, an overdose of it will not benefit you in any way but result in even more risks.

[Also Read: Excellent Iron Rich Foods]

How Can You Prevent Anemia?

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Here are some practical ways in which you can prevent Anemia and recover from the disorder.

If you are a vegetarian, then have a talk with your doctor regarding your diet. They will make sure a diet that it includes essential nutrients. The availability of essential nutrients will help you to recover more quicklyCheck with your doctor regarding the intake of Vitamin C because it makes your stomach more acidic. As a result, it will help you to improve the absorption of iron or other minerals efficiently.

If you are suffering from Anemia, then you should immediately stop consuming caffeinated items. They can significantly affect the body’s power to absorb iron or other essential vitamins.

As you can see that there are some essential ways in which you can prevent Anemia. All these methods are effective in helping you to recover from the disorder.

Anemia is a severe medical condition which can affect people of all ages. Several factors can be responsible for the cause of Anemia. If you observe any symptoms related to Anemia, visit a doctor immediately.

[Also Read: Home Remedies to Cure Anemia]

FAQs

Here are some important frequently asked questions related to anemia.

1. Foods to Avoid If You Are Anemic?

Ans. Tea, coffee, some dairy products, and whole-grain cereals, etc. are the various food items which you can choose not to eat.

2. Can Anemia Be Cure Permanently?

Ans. Yes. Anemia can be effectively cured permanently with the right dosage of medicines and availability of essential nutrients in the body.

3. Are Bananas Good in Anemia?

Ans. Yes. Bananas contain a good amount of iron in them which is beneficial for those suffering from anemia.

4. How Soon I Can Feel Better After Taking IRON Supplements?

Ans. Once you have consumed the iron supplements, it will take at least 2-3 weeks before your body starts to recover from the disorder.