Treatment of Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Who benefits from treating anemia?

Pregnant women-Treating anemia can improve birth outcomes and improve the health of the pregnant women during and after her pregnancy [and reduce risk of birth defects of the brain and spine - I am not aware of any evidence to support this claim - I think you are thinking of folic acid deficiency].

Infants, Children and Adolescents-For infants, iron deficiency may cause a delay in mental and psychomotor development that may not be reversible. Teenage girls with even moderate iron deficiency may demonstrate poorer cognitive and academic performance.

Those with heart disease-Since anemia is associated with a decreased number of red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, this will exacerbate the symptoms of heart diseases, for example, the heart will beat even faster, there will be more shortness of breath and leg swelling. There may be an increased risk of heart attack.

How is nutritional anemia treated?

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia is directed related to its cause. If anemia is due to blood loss, it is important to treat the bleeding.

If it is due to inadequate dietary intake of iron, B12 or folic acid, then modify the diet to include more iron-rich foods like red and white meat or poultry, fish, clams, oysters, dark green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, and iron-fortified breads and cereals. Increasing intake of Vitamin C can help boost the absorption of iron. For infants 6 to 24 months of age, include iron-fortified cereals and if formula is used, make sure that it is iron-fortified.

Iron supplements should never be taken without consulting a physician. Oral tablets or intravenous iron may be prescribed. For infants, iron drops or syrup may be recommended (sprinkles are not yet commercially available).

For pregnant women with severe anemia, recombinant erythropoietin in addition to intravenous iron may be an option.