🩸 Circulatory System: Iron, B12 and Folates in Anemia Therapy
How to support blood formation and manage anemia
Anemia is a reduction in hemoglobin and red blood cells. Common causes are iron, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Let's look at the mechanisms, norms and sources.
What is anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the blood carries too little oxygen due to low hemoglobin, red blood cells or their function. It leads to fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.
- Low hemoglobin.
- Few red blood cells.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Shortness of breath on exertion.
Iron
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Balance with vitamin C matters, and tea/coffee reduce absorption.
- Hemoglobin component.
- Deficiency — common anemia.
- Vitamin C improves absorption.
- Tea/coffee reduce absorption.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell maturation and the nervous system. Its deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia, fatigue and neurological symptoms.
- Red blood cell maturation.
- Nervous system.
- Deficiency — megaloblastic anemia.
- Forms: methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin.
Folates (B9)
Folates (B9) participate in DNA synthesis and cell division. Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia. Especially important for pregnancy and vegans.
- DNA synthesis.
- Cell division.
- Deficiency — anemia.
- Important in pregnancy.
Diagnosis
| Marker | Norm | What it reflects |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | 120–160 g/l | Oxygen transport |
| Ferritin | 30–300 mcg/l | Iron stores |
| B12 | 200–900 pg/ml | B12 status |
| Folates | >10 ng/ml | B9 status |
Food sources
| Nutrient | Food | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (heme) | Beef | ~2.6 mg/100 g |
| Iron (non-heme) | Lentils | ~3.3 mg/100 g |
| B12 | Liver | ~60 mcg/100 g |
| B12 | Salmon | ~4 mcg/100 g |
| Folates | Spinach | ~194 mcg/100 g |
Protocol
- Check hemoglobin, ferritin, B12, folates.
- For iron deficiency — iron with vitamin C.
- For B12 deficiency — methylcobalamin.
- For folate deficiency — 5-MTHF.
- Avoid tea/coffee right after meals.
- Anemia treatment — as prescribed by a doctor.
What is anemia?
A reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells, so the blood carries less oxygen.
What types of anemia exist?
Iron-deficiency, B12-deficiency (megaloblastic), folate-deficiency and others.
How does iron affect anemia?
Iron is a hemoglobin component; deficiency leads to anemia.
How is B12 linked to anemia?
B12 is needed for red blood cell maturation; deficiency gives megaloblastic anemia.
What is ferritin?
A protein that reflects iron stores in the body.
Which tests to take?
Hemoglobin, ferritin, B12, folates.
How to improve iron absorption?
With vitamin C; avoid tea/coffee right after meals.
Do vegans need B12?
Yes, definitely, because plant foods contain no B12.
What is 5-MTHF?
The active form of folates, better absorbed than folic acid.
When is a doctor needed?
With any anemia — to find the cause and treat it.