Reducing Your Risk of Nutritional Anemia

Guidelines for the prevention of nutritional anemia include the following:

Diet

A diet that meets the dietary guidelines will ordinarily have enough iron, folate, and vitamin B ₁₂ to prevent anemia. Exceptions include women of childbearing age who are well advised to take supplemental iron and folic acid, and preterm infants who are often prescribed iron supplements. Ask your doctor if you should take these supplements.

Regular Check-Ups

A regular physical exam (check-up) often includes a complete blood count, so undergoing regular check-ups can detect nutritional anemia in an early stage.

References

American Dietetic Association website. Available at: http://www.eatright.org/ .

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 16th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2004.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Kari Kassir, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/91/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.