| Obesity | Anemia Anemia usually describes a number of blood conditions in which the number of blood cells formed are too few in number, too large, too small, or lacking in color due to low hemoglobin levels. Anemia may result from any number of factors, including disease, genetic factors, medications, certain cancers, and lack of important dietary factors. By far, the most common form of anemia is Iron deficiency anemia. This condition usually results from a low intake of iron in children and pregnant women, but it could be caused by excessive bleeding, kidney disease, and many other problems. Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies are also frequent causes of anemia. A folic acid deficiency could prove to be extremely critical during pregnancy, resulting in serious birth defects. For this reason, women of childbearing age are urged to maintain a healthy intake of folic acid, including supplementation, if prescribed. In order to correct anemia, the cause of the problem has to be identified. In some cases, improving the diet may result in improvement in the blood picture. In other cases, supplements may be required. If you are prescribed a supplement, or injection, as in the case of vitamin B12, it is important that you follow through. If your diet is the major cause of your anemia, you will have to learn which foods are rich in iron, or whatever the deficient nutrient is, and eat more of these foods. A registered dietitian can help by giving you a diet checkup and working with you to boost your intake. Get a diet checkup today.Get the Nutriscope™ Home |