(also referred to as ...)
Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia,
Pernicious Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
Description
Anemia occurs when the blood becomes deficient of red blood cells (RBC's) or hemoglobin, which is part of the RBC that binds to oxygen. The primary function of the RBC's is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body and exchange it for carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism.
There are several different reasons you might be experiencing anemia. Three specific types of anemia caused by specific nutritional deficiencies are outlined below, as they are the most common. They are iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia), and folic acid deficiency anemia.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of anemia, regardless of the cause, result from lack of oxygen supply to the tissue and a buildup of carbon dioxide. The most common symptom is fatigue.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
As well as causing anemia, iron deficiencies can lead to learning disabilities, a weakened immune system, and excessive menstruation.
Pernicious Anemia
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can also lead to paleness of the skin, shortness of breath, a red swollen tongue, diarrhea, and cardiac or nervous system disturbances, the latter of which can become serious.
Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
Symptoms include diarrhea, depression, and a swollen, red tongue.
Causes:
The most common cause is a nutritional deficiency. Anemia can result from a deficiency of virtually any vitamin or mineral. Other reasons exist, however. Excessive blood loss, either acute (trauma) or chronic (heavy menstruation, bleeding ulcer, etc.) can also lead to anemia. It can also occur as a hereditary disorder, as is the case with sickle cell anemia or RBC enzyme defects.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
This is the most common type of anemia where the cause is a lack of iron. Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin and is essential for the production of certain enzymes involved in energy production. Iron deficiencies can occur due to an increase in iron requirements, a low dietary intake, poor iron absorption or utilization, and/or blood loss.
Incidentally, excessive menstruation is the most common cause of this type of anemia in women of child-bearing years. Ironically, iron-deficiency can cause excessive menstruation. Hence this positively-reinforced situation becomes a vicious circle.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia can occur due to inadequate intake of vitamin B12, as may occur with vegans or vegetarians, but is most often due to a defect in absorption of the vitamin. Proper absorption of B12 depends on a number of factors that include: an adequate amount of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, secreted by the stomach; enough pancreatic enzymes secreted; and a healthy, intact small intestine.
Intrinsic factor is the substance that binds to B12. This bound B12 is absorbed in the last part of the small intestine called the ileum. Pernicious anemia is often concurrent with an iron deficiency.
Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
As with nutritional deficiency anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia can occur due to inadequate intake. It is common among alcoholics and pregnant women. It can also occur with the use of certain medications such as oral contraceptives, epilepsy and anti-cancer drugs. This deficiency is common in cases of chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, and Crohn's disease.
What to Expect:
Iron Deficiency Anemia
High risk groups for developing this type of anemia are infants under 2 years of age, teenage girls, pregnant women, and the elderly. The first three groups fall into the category of periods of increased iron requirements. The elderly are at risk as they often have problems absorbing iron due to a decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion from the stomach.
Pernicious Anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency may not become apparent until after years of inadequate intake or secretion of intrinsic factor. Normal bodily stores of this vitamin can last from three to six years, providing a leeway, as it were, before the situation becomes directly apparent. Pernicious anemia is more common in people of Scandinavian, English, or Irish descent. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly can mimic Alzheimer's disease.
Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
Folic acid deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world. As opposed to B12, the body does not have large stores of this vitamin. A deficiency can lead to fetal abnormalities such as fetal alcohol syndrome or spina bifida.
Remedies
Foods
If you are not on a vegetarian or vegan diet, eat 4 to 6 ounces of calf liver a day to help treat the above mentioned anemia. It is very high in iron and B vitamins and is free of fat and cholesterol. You could use a hydrolyzed liver extract instead. Take 300mg twice daily.
You should consume plenty of green leafy vegetables. They are high in folic acid and iron.
Miscellaneous
A hydrochloric acid supplement may be beneficial if you are not secreting enough. See your naturopath or other health practitioner to discuss this option.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Supplement with iron succinate or fumerate. Take 30mg twice daily between meals. If you experience stomach upset, take the same dose three times daily with meals.
You should also supplement with vitamin C, which helps facilitate iron absorption. Take 1,000mg three times daily with meals.
Pernicious Anemia
Take 2,000mcg of vitamin B12 daily in divided doses for at least one month. After this period, take 1,000mcg daily. Sublingual tablets are best. You may also require B12 injections to obtain adequate levels of this vitamin. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner.
Folic acid supplementation is also recommended. Take 800 to 1,200mcg three times daily.
Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia
Take 800 to 1,200mcg of folic acid three times daily.
You should also be supplementing with 1,000mcg daily of vitamin B12. Again, sublingual tablets are preferred.
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