Anemia

When vitamin B12 is low, extra symptoms can occur. These include:

• Chest pain on exertion.
• Swollen red tongue or bleeding gums.
• A hard time concentrating.
• Appetite loss and weight loss.
• Nausea and diarrhea.

When vitamin B12 is very low, nervous system problems can occur, such as:

• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
• Walking and balance problems.
• Memory loss, confusion, dementia or psychosis.

One form of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is pernicious anemia. This is usually caused when the body doesn’t absorb vitamin B12 from food. It can result from a lack of digestive acids and a substance called the intrinsic factor. Both are needed to absorb vitamin B12. Other causes are surgery that removes part or all of the stomach and autoimmune problems that cause cells in the stomach’s lining to shrink. Vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods. It is not in plant foods unless the vitamin is added, such as in some cereals.

Other Types of Anemia

• Sickle cell anemia. This is an inherited disorder that affects the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Sickle cell anemia occurs mostly in African Americans but can occur in other ethnic groups too.
• Aplastic anemia. This is a serious disease of decreased bone marrow production.

Also, alcohol, certain drugs, large amounts of aspirin, and some chronic diseases can cause anemia.

Treatment

Anemia shares symptoms with many health problems. It needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Treatment for it depends on the type and what caused it. This includes:

• Treating the problem that caused it.
• Eating a proper diet and taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements, as prescribed. {Note: Don’t take iron supplements on your own. Persons with a genetic illness called hemochromatosis (iron overload disease) can be harmed with iron supplements.}
• Getting vitamin B12 shots, if needed.

Persons with severe anemia may need one or more blood transfusions.

• Palpitations. Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• You feel faint and breathless.
• Chest pain occurs with exertion.
• Memory loss. Confusion.
• Dementia. Psychosis.

• You feel dizzy with exertion or when you stand up.
• Red dots of bleeding under the skin.
• Ulcers in the mouth, throat, or rectum.
• Bruising that occurs without reason.
• Ringing in the ears.

Self-Care

To Get and Absorb Iron

• Eat foods that are good sources of iron: green leafy vegetables, lean red meat, beef liver, poultry, fish, wheat germ, oysters, dried fruit, and iron-fortified cereals.
• Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, and green or red bell peppers.
• If you drink tea, drink it between meals. Tannins in tea block iron absorption. Or add milk to tea. The calcium in milk binds with the tannins. (Herbal tea does not have tannins.)
• Take the supplements your doctor advises. {Note: High levels of iron in the blood may increase the risk for heart attacks. This is especially a concern if you have gone through menopause.}
• Avoid antacids, phosphates (which are found in soft drinks, beer, ice cream, candy bars, etc.), and the food additive EDTA. These block iron absorption.

To Get and Absorb Folic Acid

• Eat good food sources of folate every day. These include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, spinach, romaine lettuce, collard greens, and broccoli. Other good sources are black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, orange juice, oatmeal, and whole-grain or fortified cereals.
• Eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables often. Don’t overcook food. Heat destroys folic acid.
• Take the supplement your doctor advises.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

Tips for Getting Vitamin B12

• Eat animal sources of food. Good choices are lean meats, fish, poultry, nonfat or low-fat dairy products.
• Strict vegetarians (vegans) who eat no animal sources of food should get vitamin B12 from a supplement or foods fortified with it, such as cereals or plant-based milks or nutritional yeast.

For More Information:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

nhlbi.nih.gov

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Anemia

Anemia