Anemia Symptoms and Remedies

Anemia is a category of blood conditions concerning the red blood cells or the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin they surround. Anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cells in circulation or a decrease in the number or quality of available hemoglobin. Causes of anemia include severe blood loss, genetic disorders, and serious disease. It usually requires the expertise of a qualified medical professional to determine the cause of anemia.

Typical symptoms of many forms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, poor concentration and frequent colds and flu. A very unique symptom associated with iron-deficiency anemia is a condition called pica. Pica is the desire to eat unusual items including such things as cardboard, clay, ice, starch and in some cases even paint. Untreated anemia can also cause headaches, lightheadedess, severe irritability, ringing in the ears, uncomfortable sensations in that legs and extreme fatigue.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful for anemia

Common nutritional causes of anemia are due to deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Other deficiencies that are not as common include vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and copper. In cases where anemia is the direct result of severe genetic disorders, supplementing with large amounts of vitamin B1 may be helpful.