|  | Conditions Treatments | Blood Disorders

Vitamins for Anemics

Anemia is an epidemic in some countries and is quite common in the United States. Anemia occurs when the human body does not have enough red blood cells needed for energy production. When the human body suffers from anemia, blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to the kidneys, which cannot send enough erythropoietin hormones to the bone marrow that produces red blood cells. Anemia can be life threatening and difficult to identify during early stages.

  1. B-Vitamins

    • B-Vitamins promote cell growth and division of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia. There are a total of eight B-Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. B-Vitamins consumed in food rather than tablet form also reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. They also increase the rate of metabolism; enhance the immune and nervous system functions and maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. You can get B-Vitamins from foods such as whole-grain cereals, brown rice, sweet corn, cheese, peas, potatoes and peanuts.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues and healing wounds, which is essential to maintaining health in anemic patients. Eating Vitamin C also helps the body to absorb iron, a mineral that is often deficient in persons with anemia. Vitamin C forms collagen, the protein to make skin, tendons and ligaments. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant for defending against infection and enhances the immune system. Consumption of Vitamin C is also linked to the repair of teeth, cartilage and bones.You can get Vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, papaya, blueberries, green peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, watermelon and pineapples.

    Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E protects cell membranes, heart and circulation nerves and protects immune function. It is most essential as a vitamin for anemics because it prevents abnormal blood clotting. Be cautious about the amount of Vitamin E you consume, however, because too much Vitamin E may inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron. It may also protect you against certain types of cancer, lower the risk of ischemic and coronary heart disease. Vitamin E protects against the effects of potentially damaging by-products of your body's metabolism. It can be found in foods such as tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, mango, peanut butter, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and kiwi.

Blood Disorders - Related Articles