Anaemia is a condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells (haemoglobin) to carry adequate oxygen to body tissues causing fatigue. To produce haemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs ample iron and complimentary vitamins from the foods you eat.
Many forms of anaemia exist, each with its own cause. Anaemia can be temporary or long-term, and it can range from mild to severe. Anaemia can be a sign of serious illness. Some types of anaemia can be prevented by having a healthy, varied diet, through serious cases have to be referred to medical professionals.
Possible signs and symptoms
Weakness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, cognitive problems, numbness or coldness in the periphery, headaches.
Possible causes
Broadly, causes of anaemia may be classified as impaired red blood cell (RBC) production, increased RBC destruction (hemolytic anaemias), blood loss and fluid overload (hypervolemia). Several of these may interplay to cause anemia eventually. Indeed, the most common cause of anaemia is blood loss, but this usually does not cause any lasting symptoms unless a relatively impaired RBC production condition develops, in turn most commonly by iron deficiency.
Applied nutrition
| Supplement | Benefit | Suggested Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | A high-quality protein supplement specially formulated wholly from plants. It supplies balanced amounts of the nine essential amino acids. | 1 scoop, 3x daily |
| Multivitamin + minerals + phytonutrients | Supplies a balance of nutrients important in red blood cell production | As indicated on packaging |
| B Complex | Essential in red blood cell production and to break down and prepare protein for cellular use | 4 tabs, 3x daily |
| Iron + folic acid | Needed for red blood cell formation. Plant-derived iron does not interfere with vitamin E absorption. | 1 tab, 3x daily |
| Vitamin C + bioflavonoids | Important for iron absorption | 2 tabs, 3x daily |