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Anemia is a shortage of hemoglobin in the body's red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the substance in blood that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. When you don't have enough hemoglobin, your body has trouble bringing oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Anemia has many causes, including gastrointestinal bleeding, a lack of vitamin B12, iron or folate; chronic infections and cancer. If you are a woman who no longer has periods and is diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, see your doctor. A stomach disorder may be causing blood loss. Inherited forms of anemia include Fanconi anemia, which leads to bone marrow failure; sickle cell anemia, in which the red blood cells are deformed; and thalassemia, which is caused by decreased production of globin proteins - the main components of hemoglobin. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy red blood cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired
Lab tests can tell your doctor how severe your case is.
A word of caution: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. You have no way of knowing if your herb or supplement interferes with a health condition or medication. You do not know the purity and quality, and much of the research on these substances is scant and questionable. Also, supplements in high concentrations can be dangerous. Your doctor is the best person to talk with about your concerns.
| Herb/Supplement |
Claims |
Potential Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the experts say |
| Betel Nut |
Reduces the risk of anemia in pregnant women. |
Do not take if you are pregnant because of an increased risk for birth defects or cancer. May cause chest pain, heart attacks and irregular heart rhythm. May increase the risk of cancer, including of the liver, cervix, stomach, prostate and lungs. May interact with blood sugar levels. May cause excess tears and saliva, diarrhea. |
This is unsafe; don't take it. |
| Iron supplements |
Treats anemia caused by iron deficiency. |
There may be an association between high iron stores and risk of heart disease, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A condition called hemochromatosis may happen in people who take too much iron and for a long time. Symptoms include discolored skin and liver damage. The most common side effect from iron supplements is stomach upset, including discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. |
Women, dieters and elite athletes may come up short on iron. If you are concerned that you may be low on iron or may have iron-deficiency anemia, talk to your doctor before taking a supplement. Eat foods rich in iron, such as spinach, nuts, whole grains, beans and fortified cereals. |
Dietary modifications
A diet that includes meats and poultry may help prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Eat cereal or other products that are enriched with iron. Any of the following may protect against the symptoms of anemia: apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, peas, raisins and foods high in vitamin C.
Conventional treatments
Iron, folate or vitamin B12 supplementation may be used, depending on the cause of anemia. Epoetin is used for several anemic conditions.
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External Sources
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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