11 Supplements for Menopause Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies Vitamin Overload: Can It Hurt You? About Sleep Herbs and Supplements St. John's Wort for Depression Quiz: What Do You Know About Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Vitamins and Supplements: The FactsAnemia occurs when your body lacks a sufficient volume of healthy red blood cells. If you have anemia, you do not have a sufficient amount of hemoglobin -- the oxygen-carrying protein within red blood cells. Anemia has many possible causes. Numerous supplements mayhelp treat your anemia, but you should consult your physician before using any dietary supplements. Among the several types of anemia are iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia and sickle cell anemia. Possible causes of anemia include chronic diseases, poor diet, kidney failure, blood loss and certain medications. If you have anemia, you are likely to feel cold, tired and weak.
You may also experience shortness of breath, headaches, light-headedness and a rapid heartbeat. Useful supplements for anemia include both herbal and nonherbal dietary supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several supplements have shown some degree of efficacy in treating anemia, including astragalus, copper, dong quai, iron, spirulina, stinging nettle and vitamins B-2, B-12 and E. Other helpful supplements for this health condition include raw liver extract, folic acid plus biotin, brewer's yeast, shepherd's purse and bilberry. More research into these supplements' efficacy may be required to validate their use in treating anemia. Shepherd's purse is a commonly used supplement in the treatment of anemia. In her book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner reports that shepherd's purse stimulates the kidneys, arrests bleeding associated with fibroid tumors and helps stop passive hemorrhages in other organs.
The aerial herb in the fruiting stage of the plant is used in dietary supplements. Because this supplement is a uterine stimulant, you should avoid using it if you are pregnant. Anemia is a serious health problem that can lead to various health complications, including reduced oxygen levels in key organs such as your heart. Anemia may lead to a heart attack if it is not treated appropriately. Because of the many possible causes of anemia, you should visit a professional health care provider if you develop the characteristic symptoms of anemia. Your health care practitioner can counsel you on the most appropriate therapies for you. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia in Women? Omeprazole & Iron Deficiency Anemia Tongue Symptoms and Iron Deficiency Claritin & Iron Deficiency Anemia What Are the Best Iron Supplements for Women? I Take an Iron Supplement But I'm Still Anemic About Infed, the Iron Supplement Nutrition Tips for Anemic Patients
What Nutritional Supplements Help Raise Hemoglobin Levels? Does Exercise Help Anemia? What Foods Help the Red Blood Cells & Muscles Carry Oxygen? How Many Mg of Iron Do I Need if I Am Anemic? Types of Iron Supplements Foods to Avoid With Anemia Signs and Symptoms of Severe Iron Deficiency and Anemia Exercise Precautions & Hemoglobin Levels Are Night Sweats & Weight Loss Symptoms of Anemia? How to Raise Hemoglobin Levels Fast Dietary Iron and Iron Supplements Iron is a mineral that's necessary for life. Iron plays a key role in the making of red blood cells, which carry oxygen. You can get iron from food and from supplements. If you don't have enough iron, you may develop anemia, a low level of red blood cells. Why do people take iron? Iron supplements are most often used for certain types of anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and other symptoms. If you have symptoms of anemia, seek care from your health care provider. Don't try to treat it on your own.
Iron supplements are often used to treat anemia caused by: Iron supplements have also been studied for treatment of ADHD. While early data suggested a benefit, more study is needed before iron can be recommended for ADHD. Iron supplements are commonly recommended for infants and toddlers, teenage girls, and women who are pregnant or of childbearing age to help prevent anemia. Before taking an iron supplement, ask your health care provider if it is right for you. How much iron should you take? The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) includes the iron you get from both the food you eat and any supplements you take. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) 51 years and over Under 19 years: 10 mg/day 19 years and over: 9 mg/day Take iron supplements with a full glass of water or food. Strict vegetarians may need to take in higher levels of iron. At high doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children ages 14 and up, the upper limit -- the highest dose that can be taken safely -- is 45 mg a day.
Children under age 14 should not take more than 40 mg a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that -- starting at 4 months of age -- breastfed infants should be supplemented with 1 mg/kg per day of oral iron. This should continue until iron-containing complementary foods, such as iron-fortified cereals, are introduced in the diet. Also beginning at 4 months of age, partially breastfed infants (more than half of their daily feedings as formula or milk) who are not receiving iron-containing complementary foods should receive 1 mg/kg per day of supplemental iron. Ask your health care provider how much iron supplement you or your child should take, if any. Can you get iron naturally from foods? For most people, a good diet provides enough iron. Natural food sources of iron include: Meat, fish, and poultry Vegetables, like spinach, kale, and broccoli Dried fruits and nuts Beans, lentils, and peas Iron is also added to many fortified foods, such as cereals and enriched breads.
Iron from animal sources is absorbed better by the body. However, you can help your body absorb plant-based iron by eating a fruit or vegetable that is high in vitamin C (for example, red bell peppers, kiwis, oranges). What are the risks of taking iron?Taken at normal doses, iron supplements may cause upset stomach, stool changes, and constipation.Don't start taking iron supplements unless your health care provider tells you that you need them. That's especially true if you have a chronic health condition. Women who plan to become pregnant should also check with a health care provider before they start daily iron supplements.Iron can interact with many different drugs and supplements. They include antacids and proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, calcium, and others. If you take daily medicine, ask your health care provider if it’s safe for you to take iron supplements.Iron overdose is a common cause of poisoning in children. It can be fatal. Signs of an iron overdose include severe vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, pale or bluish skin and fingernails, and weakness.