animated goddess mdbs banner animated goddess


This page is best viewed with 800x600 monitor display.


MoonDragon's Obgyn Information
Anemia, Folic Acid Deficiency


For "Informational Use Only".
For more detailed information, contact your health care provider
about options that may be available for your specific situation.




BASIC INFORMATION


DESCRIPTION

Anemia that is caused by a deficiency of folic acid. It is often accompanied by iron-deficiency anemia.





FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Fatigue and weakness.


  • Red, sore tongue.


  • Shortness of breath.


  • Paleness.


  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.





  • CAUSES

  • Complication of pregnancy, when the body needs 8 times more folic acid than usual.


  • Inadequate intake or absorption of foods with a high folic acid content, such as meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, green vegetables, yeast and mushrooms.


  • Alcoholism.


  • Over cooking foods, which destroys folic acid.


  • Deficiency of vitamin B12 or vitamin C.





  • RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Adults over 60, especially those who have poor nutrition.


  • Pregnancy.


  • Illness, such as topical sprue, psoriasis, acne rosacea, eczema or dermatitis herpetiformis.


  • Fad diets or general poor nutrition, especially vitamin C deficiency.


  • Surgical removal of the stomach.


  • Smoking, which decreases vitamin C absorption. Vitamin C is necessary for folic acid absorption.


  • Use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, methotrexate, triamterene or sulfasalazine.





  • PREVENTIVE MEASURES

  • Don't drink alcohol.


  • Have regular medical checkups during pregnancy. Take natural-based prenatal vitamins and supplements as recommended by your midwife/health care practitioner, if needed.


  • Eat well. Include fresh vegetables, meat and other animal proteins as needed. Avoid fad diets. Don't over cook food.


  • Don't smoke. Smoking increases vitamin requirements.





  • EXPECTED OUTCOME

  • Usually curable in 3 weeks with an adequate folic acid intake.





  • POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Infertility.


  • Increased susceptibility.


  • Congestive heart failure (severe cases only).


  • Folic acid deficiency can also increase the risk for conceiving a child with a neural tube defect.




  • TREATMENT


    GENERAL MEASURES

  • Diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies, a Schilling test to measure vitamin B12 levels and a therapeutic trial of vitamin B12.


  • Treatment consists of folic acid supplements and elimination of contributing causes.


  • If you smoke, stop smoking.


  • If you take oral contraceptives, consider using another form of contraception.





  • MEDICATION

  • Iron, folic-acid and other supplements may be prescribed. For better absorption, take iron-supplements 1 hour before eating or between meals. Iron will turn bowel movements black, and often causes constipation. Iron sometimes may be taken with meals if it has caused an upset stomach.





  • ACTIVITY

  • Anemia does cause fatigue. Schedule regular test periods until you are able to resume normal activity.





  • DIET

  • No special diet, but nutritional supplements may be recommended.

    Eat foods daily that are high in folic acid. The liver can store folic acid for a limited time only. Foods include asparagus spears, beef liver, broccoli spears, collard greens (cooked), mushrooms, oatmeal, peanut butter, red beans, wheat germ. See Anemia, Nutritional, Herbal & Holistic Herbal Recommendations for more information about nutritional therapy.


  • Nutrients
    Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments
    Essential
    Raw liver extract 500 mg twice daily. Contains all the elements needed for red blood cell production. Use liver from organically raised beef. Consider injections (under a health care provider's supervision).
    Blackstrap molasses Adults: 1 tablespoon twice daily.
    Children: 1 teaspoon twice daily.
    See above under Holistic Recommendations.
    Folic acid 800 mcg twice daily. Needed for red blood cell formation.
    Biotin 300 mcg daily. Needed for red blood cell formation.
    Iron As prescribed by a health care provider. Take with 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. To restore iron. Use ferrous gluconate form. Caution: Do not take iron unless anemia is diagnosed.
    Floradix Iron Plus Herbs from Salus Haus 2 teaspoons daily. Contains a readily absorbable form of iron that is nontoxic and from a natural source.
    Vitamin B12 injections 2 cc once weekly or as prescribed by health care provider. Essential in red blood cell production and to break down and prepare protein for cellular use. Injections (under health care providers supervision) are best. If injections are not available, use lozenge or sublingual form for best absorption.
    Or vitamin B12 2,000 mcg 3 times daily Essential in red blood cell production and to break down and prepare protein for cellular use. Injections (under health care providers supervision) are best. If injections are not available, use lozenge or sublingual form for best absorption.
    Vitamin B complex 50 mg 3 times daily. B vitamins work best when taken together. A sublingual form is recommended.
    Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5 50 mg 3 times daily. Important in red blood cell production.
    Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 100 mg daily. Involved in cellular reproduction. Aids absorption of vitamin B 12.
    Vitamin C 3,000-10,000 mg daily. Important in iron absorption.
    Brewer's yeast As directed on label. Rich in basic nutrients and a good source of B vitamins.
    Copper 2 mg daily. Needed in red blood cell production. Note: If more zinc is used, increase copper proportionately.
    Zinc 30 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount. Needed to balance with copper.
    Raw spleen glandular As directed on label. See Glandular Therapy for more information.
    Vitamin A 10,000 IU daily. Important antioxidant.
    Plus natural beta-carotene 15,000 IU daily. Important antioxidant.
    Or carotenoid complex (Betatene) As directed on label. Important antioxidant.
    Vitamin E 600 IU daily. Take separately from iron supplements. Important for red blood cell survival; prolongs the life span of these cells. Use emulsion form for better assimulation.


    ANEMIA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS

    Information for help with anemia, a condition that occurs when either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood is reduced.

    Iron Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 20 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.

    WaterOz Ionic Iron is a pure liquid Iron supplement. Iron is called the "energy giver." It attracts oxygen and builds blood. Along with manganese and copper it is necessary for healthy blood chemistry and is essential for recovery from illness.
    Appetite Stimulant Formula Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    This herbal appetite stimulant has been designed by a Master Herbalist to stimulate the appetite. It combines herbs well known, and recommended by the German Commission E, for improving the appetite and eliminating symptoms of appetite loss.
    Iron Complex w/ Vitamins & Herbs, Vegetarian Formula, NOW Foods - 250 Tabs

    Iron is part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen - iron-deficient people tire easily in part because their bodies are starved for oxygen and without enough iron, ATP (the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesized so, as a result, some iron-deficient people become fatigued even when their hemoglobin levels are normal.
    St. John's Wort, Perika, 300mg - 60 Tabs

    Nature's Way St. John's Wort is scientifically advanced to maintain a healthy emotional outlook.
    Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9) 100% Natural, Nature's Way 800mcg - 100 Caps

    Folic acid (Vitamin B-9) is necessary precursor for the manufacture of genetic material like RNA and DNA. It also assists in the growth and repair of tissues and in the conversion of fats and amino acids into other useful products in the body.
    Brewers Yeast, NOW Foods 650mg - 200 Tabs

    Brewer's Yeast has been shown to help people having difficulty sleeping, fatigued, and diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.
    Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405mg - 100 Caps

    Nature's Way Alfalfa Leaves are organically grown by Trout Lake Farm, Washington, and Certified Organically Processed in accordance with Oregon Tilth standards and the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
    Bilberry Extract Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Helpful with many different diseases of the eyes including vascular retinal disturbances, cataracts, diabetic-induced glaucoma, myopia, and all forms of eye strain.
    Black Cherry Fruit Extract 750mg NOW Foods - 90 Vcaps

    Black Cherry extract or Black Cherry concentrate has been found to prevent attacks of gout. Black, sweet yellow, and red sour cherries have all shown to be effective.
    Dandelion Root Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Dandelion root is a natural diuretic and improves appetite and minor digestive problems. Dandelion leaves are commonly recommended as a food supplement for pregnant and postmenopausal women.
    Goldenseal Root Tincture (Hydrastis canadensis), 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Uses include Adrenal Glands; Eye Problems; Fainting; Gallbladder; Gallstones; Nephritis; Pancreatic Disorders; Peritonitis; Poison Ivy/Oak; Prostate Problems; Psoriasis; Pyorrhea; Quinsy,;Scarlet Fever; Spinal Meningitis (sometimes referred to simply as Meningitis); Spleen; Wounds
    Pau D Arco (Purple Lapacho), Inner Bark 545mg - 180 Caps

    Pau d'arco is a South American herb which helps strengthen and nourish the body's defense system. A healthy immune system is a key in fighting diseases and infections.
    Red Raspberry Leaves, 480mg - 100 Caps

    Red raspberry leaf strengthens the uterus wall and regulates menstrual flow. It nourishes the reproductive organs, especially the uterine muscles, and helps strengthen and prepare the body for childbirth. It is also highly valued for its soothing and astringent properties to the stomach and intestinal tract.
    Maca (Lepidum meyenii) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Today Maca is used to increase energy and support the immune system. Maca can help a number of conditions from fatigue to frigidity.
    Instant Energy B-12 (2,000 mcg of B-12 per packet), NOW Foods - 75 Packets

    NOW® Vitamin B-12 Instant Energy is the perfect way to keep alert and energized, regardless of the situation. These convenient, fast-acting packets are perfect when traveling or for convenience.
    Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000mg - 250 Vcaps

    Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
    Meta C Vitamin C Supplement, 1000mg - 100 Tabs

    Meta C Vitamin C Supplement is a unique form of vitamin C that is absorbed faster than regular vitamin C and maintains higher serum levels for longer period of time with no intestinal discomfort.
    Vitamin C Liquid, with Rose Hips and Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000mg - 16 fl. oz.

    Liquid Vitamin C with Natural Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids is an easy to swallow dietary supplement that exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
    Nettle Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Nettle leaf has become a popular treatment of allergies (hay fever) and it can improve goiter, inflammatory conditions, and arthritis.
    Amalaki (Dhatri), 100% Natural, 450mg - 120 VCaps

    Amalaki is an Ayurvedic effective against allergies, anemia, cold & flu, constipation, diabetes, digestive disorders, and liver problems.
    Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.

    WaterOz Ionic Copper is a pure liquid Copper supplement. Copper influences protein metabolism and general healing, improves vitamin C oxidation and is integral in the formation of RNA.
    Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin), 50mcg & B-9 (Folic Acid), 400mcg - 1 fl. oz.

    Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and helps in the prevention of pernicious anemia.
    Heart Formula Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    The Heart Formula can be used for anemia, fatigue and heart problems.
    Spleen & Pancreas Formula Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Use the Spleen & Pancreas Formula to strengthen and nourish the spleen and pancreas naturally.
    Dong Quai Root Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Dong Quai root is often used in the treatment of menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea and PMS, hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms.
    Once Daily Multi Vitamin & Mineral, All Natural, Lactose Free, w/ Iron - 100 Tabs

    Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin & Mineral provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.
    Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin with Mineral, Nature's Way 18mg of Iron added - 90 Tabs

    Alive Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin with Mineral with Iron by Nature's Way is absorbed into your blood stream 5 times faster than other leading brands.
    Ester C with Bioflavonoids, 25% More Free, 500mg / 200mg - 150 Vcaps

    Nature's Way Ester C with bioflavonoids is 100% natural calcium ascorbate with biologically active metabolites. These metabolites enhance cellular uptake and retention of Vitamin C. Now get 25% more free.
    Vitamin C Liquid, with Rose Hips and Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000mg - 16 fl. oz.

    Liquid Vitamin C with Natural Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids is an easy to swallow dietary supplement that exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
    Barberry Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Barberry is used for treating gallbladder disease, heartburn and indigestion and diarrhea. This herb can also be used to treat infections, parasites, psoriasis, and vaginitis.
    Cocoa Powder - Certified Organic 100% Natural

    From holiday desserts and everyday baking, to a steaming cup of hot cocoa on those cold winter days, NOW® Organic Cocoa Powder offers a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the high amounts of sugar, fat and preservatives common to many commercially available mixes.





    Mountain Rose Herbs. A Herbs, Health and Harmony Company. Since 1987


    Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs A
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs B
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs C
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs D
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs E
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs F
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs G
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs H
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs I
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs J
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs K
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs L
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs M
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs N
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs O
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs P
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs R
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs S
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs T
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs U
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs V
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs W
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs Y


    Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
    Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits






    Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page




    NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER IF...


  • You or a family member has symptoms of anemia.


  • Symptoms don't improve in 2 weeks, despite treatment.


  • Symptoms of infection (fever, chills, and muscle aches) occur during treatment.





  • MoonDragon Links

    MoonDragon's Obgyn - Health Anemia Index

    MoonDragon's Birthing Practice Guidelines for Anemia

    MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Anemia During Pregnancy

    MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Anemia, Iron Deficiency

    MoonDragon's Health Information - Anemia, Nutritional, Herbal, & Holistic Recommendations

    MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: G6PD Deficiency

    MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Pernicious Anemia

    MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Sickle Cell Anemia

    MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Thalassemia Anemia

    MoonDragon's Nutrition Index




    MoonDragon's Health Index

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Subject Order

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Alphabetical Order

    MoonDragon's Main Indexlisting

    MoonDragon's Homepage