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Revised January 9, 2001
Author: Peter A. Lane M.D.
Director, Colorado Sickle Cell Treatment and Research Center.
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
NEWBORN SCREENING FOR HEMOGLOBIN DISORDERS
The demonstration in 1986 that prophylactic penicillin markedly reduces the incidence of pneumococcal sepsis [1] provided a powerful incentive for the widespread implementation of neonatal screening for sickle cell disease [2]. Subsequent experience demonstrated that neonatal screening, when linked to timely diagnostic testing, parental education, and comprehensive care, markedly reduces morbidity and mortality from sickle cell disease in infancy and early childhood [3-5]. This chapter provides an overview of the current status of neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in the United States and reviews issues related to the follow-up of neonatal screening results and diagnostic testing. Neonatal screening results indicative of non-sickle hemoglobinopathies, hemoglobinopathy carriers, alpha-thalassemias, and unidentified hemoglobin variants are also briefly discussed.
OVERVIEW OF NEONATAL SCREENING FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Forty-one states and the District of Columbia provide universal screening for sickle cell disease [6]. Three states target screening to infants of high-risk ethnic groups. The primary purpose of screening is to identify infants with sickle cell disease, the most prevalent disorder included in neonatal screening panels [7]. Screening also identifies infants with other hemoglobinopathies, hemoglobinopathy carriers, and in some states, infants with alpha-thalassemia syndromes. The majority of screening programs use isoelectric focusing (IEF) of an eluate from the dried blood spots also used to screen for hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, and other disorders. A few programs use high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or cellulose acetate electrophoresis as the initial screening method. Most programs retest abnormal screening specimens using a second complimentary electrophoretic technique, HPLC, immunologic tests, or DNA-based assays [8-9].
The sensitivity and specificity of current screening methodology is excellent [6], and 99 percent of U.S. infants at highest risk for sickle cell disease are born in states with universal screening [7]. However, neonatal screening systems are not foolproof. A few infants, even in states with universal screening, may not be screened. Other infants with sickle cell disease may not be detected because of mislabeled specimens, clerical errors, extreme prematurity, blood transfusion prior to screening, or the inability to locate affected infants after discharge from the nursery [4,8,10-14].
All infants, including those born at home, must be screened and the initial screening test should always be obtained prior to any blood transfusion, regardless of age.
The information requested on screening forms should be accurately and completely recorded to facilitate interpretation of results and follow-up in the event the result is positive. Normal neonatal screening test results cannot be presumed; the result must be documented for each infant. Finally, infants from high-risk ethnic groups born in states without routine neonatal screening or for whom neonatal screening results cannot be documented should be screened by hemoglobin electrophoresis, IEF, or HPLC prior to 2 months of age. Such infants include those of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, (East) Indian, Caribbean, and South and Central American descent.
Hemoglobins (Hb) identified by neonatal screening are generally reported by level of expression as determined by the particular analytical procedure. Because more fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) than normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A) is present at birth, normal infants show Hb FA. Infants with hemoglobinopathies also show a predominance of Hb F at birth. Those with sickle cell disease syndromes show Hb S in absence of Hb A (FS), Hb S with another hemoglobin variant (e.g. FSC, FSDPunjab) or a quantity of Hb S greater than Hb A (FSA). Hundreds of other Hb variants are also identified. Many abnormal hemoglobins produce few or no clinical consequences while some such variants as Hb E can produce significant anemia. Hb E/beta-thalassemia often produces a severe, transfusion-dependent anemia. Many screening programs also detect and report Hb Bart's, indicative of alpha-thalassemia.
SICKLE CELL DISEASE
As shown in Table 1, a number of different neonatal screening results may indicate sickle cell disease syndromes [8,15,16]. These include FS, FSC, FSA, and occasionally other phenotypes such as FSD Punjab. Hemoglobin FS in infancy reflects a variety of genotypes with a wide range of clinical severity. Most infants with FS screening results have homozygous SS, but other genotypes including sickle beta-0-thalassemia, sickle beta-(+)-thalassemia, sickle delta/beta-thalassemia, and sickle HPFH are possible. The co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia may complicate differentiation of genotypes in some infants [17]. Infants with positive screening tests should have confirmatory testing of a second blood sample prior to 2 months of age allowing prompt implementation of education, prophylactic penicillin, and comprehensive care [6,8]. In many states, where primary screening programs using hemoglobin electrophoresis (cellulose acetate and citrate agar) confirmation is done by IEF, HPLC, and/or DNA-based methods. Solubility tests are inappropriate, in part because high levels of fetal hemoglobin give false-negative results.
Table 1. Sickle Hemoglobinopathies: Neonatal Screening and Diagnostic Test Results.
Disorder
Approximate % of US patients Neonatal screening results 1 Hb separation by 2 months of age 1
Serial CBC, reticulocytes Hematologic studies by 2 years
DNA
Dot Blot MCV2 Hb A23
(%) Hb F
(%) Hb F
Distribution SS 65 FS FS Hemolysis and anemia by
6-12 months N or I 4 <3.6 <25 Heterocellular Beta s SC 25 FSC FSC Mild or no anemia by 2 years N or D NA 5 <15 NA 6 Beta s Beta c S beta-thal 8 FSA or FS 7 FSA Mild or no anemia by 2 years N or D >3.6 <25 NA 6 Beta A Beta s S betao-thal 2 FS FS Hemolysis and anemia by
6-12 months D 4 >3.64 <25 Heterocellular Beta A Beta s S delta/ beta-thal <1 FS FS Mild anemia by 2 years D <2.5 <25 Heterocellular Beta s S-HPFH <1 FS FS No hemolysis or anemia N or D <2.5 <25 Pancellular Beta s
Hb = hemoglobin, thal = thalassemia, N = normal, I = increased, D= decreased
Table shows typical results ó exceptions occur.
Some rare genotypes (eg. SDPunjab, SO Arab, SC Harlem, S Lepore, SE) not included
- Hemoglobins reported in order of quantity (e.g. FSA = F>S>A)
- Normal MCV: >70 at 6-12 months, > 72 at 1-2 years
- Hb A2 results vary somewhat depending on laboratory methodology
- Hb SS with co-existent alpha-thalassemia may show decreased MCV and Hb A2 >3.6%; however neonatal screening results from such infants usually show Hb Bartís.
- NA = not applicable ó quantity of Hb A2can not be measured by hemoglobin electrophoresis or column chromatography in presence of Hb C.
- NA = not applicable ó test not indicated.
- Quantity of Hb A at birth sometimes insufficient for detection.
Hemolytic anemia and clinical signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease are rare before 2 months of age and develop variably thereafter as Hb F levels decline. Thus for infants with an FS phenotype, serial CBC and reticulocyte counts may not clarify the diagnosis during infancy. Parental testing and/or DNA analysis may be helpful in selected cases[8]. In all cases, infants with Hb FS should begin penicillin prophylactics by 2 months of age, and parents should be educated about the importance of urgent medical evaluation and treatment for febrile illness and for signs and symptoms of splenic sequestration [6,8].
NON-SICKLE HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES
As shown in Table 2, neonatal screening identifies some infants with non-sickle hemoglobinopathies [8,18-23]. Some of these conditions may be severe and require chronic blood transfusions. Infants who express solely Hb F could be normal infants who do not yet show Hb A because of prematurity. They could, on the other hand, have beta-thalassemia major or another thalassemic syndrome. Premature infants without Hb A need repeat testing to identify those with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies such as homozygous beta-thalassemia, a severe transfusion dependent disorder. Infants with FE require family studies, DNA analysis, or repeated hematologic evaluation during the first 1-2 years of life to differentiate homozygous Hb E, which is asymptomatic, from Hb E beta-0-thalassemia, which is variably severe [19-22]. Importantly, most infants with beta-thalassemia syndromes (i.e. beta-thalassemia minor and beta-thalassemia intermedia) are not identified by neonatal screening.
Table 2. Non-sickle Hemoglobinopathies Identified by Neonatal Screening
Screening Results Possible Condition Clinical Manifestations F only Homozygous betao-thalassemia Premature Infant Severe thalassemia Repeat screening necessary FE EE E betao -thalassemia Microcytosis with mild or no anemia Mild to severe anemia FC CC C betao -thalassemia Mild microcytic hemolytic anemia Mild microcytic hemolytic anemia FCA C beta +-thalassemia Mild microcytic anemia
ALPHA-THALASSEMIA SYNDROMES
The red cells of newborns with alpha-thalassemia contain hemoglobin Bart's, a tetramer of gamma globin. Many, but not all neonatal screening programs detect and report Hb Bart's [8,18,24,25]. As shown in Table 3, infants with Hb Bart's at birth may be silent carriers or have two-gene deletion alpha-thalassemia, Hb H disease (three-gene deletion alpha thalassemia), or Hb H Constant Spring disease. Silent carriers, the largest group with Hb Bart's at birth, have a normal CBC. Persons with two-gene deletion alpha-thalassemia generally show a decreased MCV with mild or no anemia. Newborns with >10% hemoglobin Bart's by IEF or >30% hemoglobin Bart's by HPLC and/or who develop more severe anemia may have Hb H disease or Hb H Constant Spring disease [26]. More extensive diagnostic testing and consultation with a pediatric hematologist is generally needed for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The identification of Hb Bart's in Asian infants can have important genetic implications for couples who may be at risk for pregnancies complicated by hydrops fetalis [27].
Table 3. Alpha Thalassemia Syndromes Identified by Neonatal Screening
Screening Results Possible Condition Clinical Manifestations FA+Bartís Alpha-thalassemia silent carrier Alpha-thalassemia minor
Hb H disease
Hb H Constant SpringNormal CBC
Microcytosis with mild or no anemia
Mild to moderately severe microcytic hemolytic anemia
Moderately severe hemolytic anemiaFAS+Bartís FAC+Bartís
FAE+Bartís
FE+BartísAlpha-thalassemia with Structural Hb variant Clinical manifestations, if any, depend on the structural variant (e.g. Hb E) and severity of alpha thalassemia
Hb = hemoglobin
CARRIERS OF HEMOGLOBIN VARIANTS
Approximately 50 infants who are carriers of hemoglobin variants (i.e. hemoglobin traits) are identified for every one with sickle cell disease. Initial confirmation by the screening laboratory using complimentary methodology can usually confirm the carrier state accurately. Some programs recommend testing of a second specimen from the infant for confirmation, in part to exclude the possibility of a mislabeled specimen.
Table 4. Hemoglobinopathy Carriers Identified By Neonatal Screening
Screening Results Possible Condition Clinical Manifestations FAS Sickle cell trait Normal CBC Generally asymptomatic FAC Hb C carrier No anemia Asymptomatic FAE Hb E carrier Asymptomatic Normal or slightly low MCV without anemia FA Other Other Hb variant carrier Depends on variant. Most have no clinical or hematologic manifestations
Hb = hemoglobin
Carriers are generally asymptomatic (Table 4) and thus identification is of no immediate benefit to the infant. However, parents can benefit from knowing the child's carrier status, in part because the information may influence their decision on having more children. Therefore, parents of infants who are determined to be carriers through neonatal screening should be offered education and testing for themselves and their family [2,4,6,8]. Such testing may raise concerns about mistaken paternity and should not be performed without prior discussion with the mother. Testing of potential carriers requires a CBC and hemoglobin separation by hemoglobin electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and/or HPLC. Accurate quantitation of Hb A2 requires column chromatography or HPLC analysis. Assessment of HbA2 is needed to accurately identify patients with beta-thalassemia. Assay of Hb F by alkali denaturation, radial immune diffusion, or HPLC is also needed if the MCV is borderline or decreased.
UNIDENTIFIED HEMOGLOBIN VARIANTS
Many of the more than 600 known hemoglobin variants are detected by current neonatal screening methods. Many are rare. Most are not identifiable by neonatal screening or clinical laboratories. Each year 10,000 to 15,000 infants with unidentified hemoglobin variants are detected by US neonatal screening programs [28, 29]. The definitive identification of these variants is accomplished for fewer than 500 of these infants, due in part to limited reference laboratory capacity. Most infants are heterozygotes, and most will have no clinical or hematologic manifestations. However some variants, particularly unstable hemoglobins or those with altered oxygen affinity, can produce clinical manifestations even in heterozygotes. Other variants have no clinical consequences in heterozygous or homozygous individuals. Some, however, cause sickle cell disease when co-inherited with Hb S and thus have potential clinical and genetic implications [15].
The follow-up of these infants is problematic. The clinical uncertainty may cause frustration and anxiety for parents and health care providers. No national consensus exists to guide neonatal screening programs and clinicians in the follow-up of infants with unidentified hemoglobin variants. The following approaches may be considered.
If the infant is a heterozygote (i.e. the quantity of Hb A is equal to or greater than the quantity of the unidentified hemoglobin), the infant is well without anemia or neonatal jaundice, and the family history is negative for anemia or hemolysis, then no further hematologic evaluation may be necessary. Alternatively, some experts recommend repeating the hemoglobinopathy screen and/or obtaining a CBC, reticulocyte count, and peripheral smear at 9-12 months of age. Fetal hemoglobin (Hb Bart's) variants disappear by 1 year of age. The absence of anemia or hemolysis is reassuring for infants with hemoglobin variants that persist (alpha or beta-globin variants).
For some families, hemoglobin electrophoresis, IEF, or HPLC and/or CBC, blood smear, and reticulocyte counts on parents may be appropriate alternatives. With the exception of Hb Bart's variants, one of the parents is expected to show the same variant as the infant. The absence of any clinical history or laboratory evidence of anemia or hemolysis in the parent reassure the physician and family that the unidentified variant is unlikely to affect the infant's health adversely. In addition, this approach potentially identifies families with other hemoglobin variants (e.g. Hb S) for whom the definitive identification of the unidentified variant might have potential genetic implications.
Definitive hemoglobin identification can be performed by protein sequencing, DNA analysis and/or HPLC combined with electrospray mass spectrometry in a specialized reference laboratory [30]. Such testing is indicated for infants with clinical or laboratory evidence of hemolysis or abnormal oxygen affinity and for infants without Hb A (homozygotes or compound heterozygotes), especially if the unidentified variant is inherited with Hb S [15,31]. Identification of the hemoglobin variant to clarify genetic risks should also be considered in families where another hemoglobin abnormality (e.g. Hb S) is present.
REFERENCES
- Gaston MH, Verter JI, Woods G., Pegelow C, Kelleher J, Presbury C, et al. Prophylaxis with oral penicillin in children with sickle cell anemia: A randomized trial. N Engl J Med 1986; 314:1593-9.
- Consensus Development Panel, National Institutes of Health. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies. JAMA 1987; 258:1205-9.
- Vichinsky E, Hurst D, Earles A, Kleman K, Lubin B. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease: Effect on mortality. Pediatrics 1988; 81:749-55. 4. Githens JH, Lane PA, McCurdy RS, Houston ML, McKinna JD, Cole DM. Newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies in Colorado: The first 10 years. Am J Dis Child 1990; 144:466-70.
- Harris MS, Eckman JR. Georgia's experience with newborn screening: 1981 to 1985. Pediatrics 1989 83(5 Pt 2):858-60.
- Sickle Cell Disease Guideline Panel. Sickle Cell Disease: Screening, Diagnosis, Management, And Counseling In Newborns And Infants. Rockville, MD. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Public Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, April 1993; Clinical Practice Guideline No. 6. AHCRP Pub. No 93-0562.
- AAP Newborn Screening Taskforce. Serving the family from birth to the medical home: Newborn screening: A blueprint for the future. Pediatrics 2000: 106, in press.
- Pass KA, Lane PA, Fernhoff PM, Hinton CF, Panny SR, Parks SR, et al. US newborn screening system guidelines: Follow-up of children, diagnosis, management, and evaluation. J Pediatr, in press.
- Eckman JR: Neonatal screening. In Embury SH, Hebbell RP, Mohandas N, Steinburg MH eds., Sickle Cell Disease: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice. Raven Press, New York, 1994: 509-515.
- Papadea C, Eckman JR, Kuehner R, Platt, AP. Comparison of liquid cord blood and filter paper spots for newborn hemoglobin screening: Laboratory and programmatic issues. Pediatrics 1994; 93:427-32.
- Lobel JS, Cameron BF, Johnson E, Smith D, Kalinyak K. Value of screening umbilical cord blood for hemoglobinopathy. Pediatrics 1989; 83:823-26.
- Pass KA, Gauvreau AC, Schedlbauer L, Carter TP. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease in New York State: The first decade. In: Carter TP, Willey AM, eds. Genetic Disease: Screening and Management. New York, Alan R. Liss, 1986:359-72.
- Miller ST, Stilerman TV, Rao SP, Abhyankar S, Brown AK. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease: When is an infant "lost to follow-up"? Am J Dis Child 1990; 144:1343-45.
- Reed W, Lane PA, Lorey F, Bojanowski J, Glass M, Louie RR, et al. Sickle-cell disease not identified by newborn screening because of prior transfusion. J Pediatr 2000; 136:248-50.
- Shafer FE, Lorey F, Cunningham GC, Klumpp C, Vichinsky E. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease: 4 years of experience from California & Otilde's newborn screening program. J Pediat Hematol/Oncol 1996; 18:36-41.
- Strickland DK, Ware RE, Kinney TR. Pitfalls in newborn hemoglobinopathy screening: Failure to detect beta-thalassemia. J Pediatr 1995; 127:304-8.
- Adams JG. Clinical laboratory diagnosis. In Embury SH, Hebbell RP, Mohandas N, Steinberg MH. Sickle Cell Disease: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice. Raven Press, New York, 1994; 457-68.
- Dumars KW, Boehm C, Eckman JR, Giardina PJ, Lane PA, Shafer FE. Practical guide to the diagnosis of thalassemia. Am J Med Genet 1996; 62:29-37.
- Lorey F. California newborn screening and the impact of Asian immigration on thalassemia. Internat J Pediatr Hematol/Oncol 1997; 4:11-16.
- Johnson JP, Vichinsky E, Hurst D, Camber A, Lubin B, Louie E. Differentiation of homozygous hemoglobin E from compound heterozygous hemoglobin E beta-0-thalassemia by hemoglobin E mutation analysis. J Pediatr 1992; 120:775-9.
- Krishnamurti L, Chui DHK, Dallaire M, LeRoy B, Waye JS, Perentesis JP. Coinheritance of alpha-thalassemia-1 and hemoglobin E beta-0-thalassemia: Practical implications for neonatal screening and genetic counseling. J Pediatr 1998; 132:863-5.
- Weatherall DJ: Hemoglobin E beta-thalassemia: An increasingly common disease with some diagnostic pit falls. J Pediatr 1998; 132:765-7.
- Olson JF, Ware RE, Schultz WH, Kinney TR. Hemoglobin C disease in infancy and childhood. J Pediatr 1994: 125:745-7.
- Zwerdling T, Powell CD, Rucknagel D. Correlation of alpha-thalassemia haplotype with detection of hemoglobin Bart's in cord blood by cellulose acetate or isoelectric focusing. Screening 1994; 3:131-9.
- Miller ST, Desai N, Pass KA, Rao SP. A fast hemoglobin variant in newborn screening is associated with alpha-thalassemia trait. Clin Pediatr 1997; 36:75-8.
- Styles LA, Foote DH, Kleman KM, Klumpp CJ, Heer NB, Vichinsky EP. Hemoglobin H-Constant Spring Disease: An under recognized, severe from of alpha-thalassemia. Internat J Pediatr Hematol/Oncol 1997: 4:69-74.
- Chui DHK, Waye JS. Hydrops fetalis caused by alpha-thalassemia: An emerging health care problem. Blood 1998; 91:2213-22.
- Newborn Screening Committee, The Council of Regional Networks for Genetics Service (CORN), National Newborn Screening Report _ 1992, CORN, Atlanta, December 1995.
- Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services, (CORN). Unknown hemoglobin variants identified by newborn screening: CORN statement. CORN, Atlanta, 1999.
- Witkowska HE, Bitsch F, Shackleton CH. Expediting rare variant hemoglobin characterization by combined HPLC/electrospray mass spectrometry. Hemoglobin 1993; 17:227-42.
- Lane PA, Witkowska HE, Falick AM, Houston ML, McKinna JD. Hemoglobin D Ibadan - beta-0-thalassemia: Detection by neonatal screening and confirmation by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry. Am J Hematol 1993; 44:158-61.
- Witkowska HE, Lubin BH, Beuzard Y, Baruchel S, Esseltine DW, Vichinsky EP, et al. Sickle cell disease in a patient with sickle cell trait and compound heterozygosity for hemoglobin S and hemoglobin Quebec-Chori. N Engl J Med 1991; 325:1150-4.
MoonDragon's ObGyn Health Information: Sickle Cell Anemia
MoonDragon's ObGyn Health Information: Sickle Cell Neonatal Screening
MoonDragon's ObGyn Health Information: Sickle Cell Pregnancy Contraception
MoonDragon's ObGyn Health Information: Sickle Cell Prenatal Diagnosis
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ANEMIA
Nutritional therapy will be dictated by the type of anemia you may have. The suggestions given here are basically for iron deficiency and folic acid anemia. Discuss your therapy options with your health care provider, midwife, or herbalist before beginning any self-help home therapy.
IRON REQUIREMENTS
The average amount of iron in the average adult male is 4 grams and in the average adult female 2.5 grams. The normal North American diet contains approximately 15-20 mg of iron per day. Most is present in meat and green vegetables; approximately 1.0 mg is absorbed each day and just about an equal amount is lost in feces and sweat.
To absorb the prescribed daily requirement of 1 mg daily of iron, you would need to ingest 10-15 times that amount. Menstruating women should take 18 mg of iron a day. Post-menopausal women should take 10 mg, and those with anemia should take 30 mg two times a day to restore sufficient iron levels.
As a result, the average adult's iron intake is in delicate balance, but is of little consequence as there is slightly more iron absorbed than lost and a store of iron is gradually accumulated. If, for some reason, the rate of iron loss increases, these stores can be depleted and an absolute iron deficiency develops. Such a deficiency requires large doses of supplemental iron to resupply the body stores and sufficient monitoring to prevent iron overload.
IMPROVING IRON ABSORPTION
Iron absorption is increased by the presence of sufficient stomach acid, glucose, fructose, some amino acids and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These substances aid in the absorption process by either reducing ferric iron to the ferrous state or by helping bind the iron to the mucosal cell receptor sites. The established benefit of vitamin C has resulted in many iron supplements being manufactured with this vitamin present. Heme iron (iron from meat myoglobin) is 10 times more easily absorbed than elemental iron, or iron from non-meat sources. Iron absorption is decreased by the presence of phosphate, bicarbonate or bile acids. Thyroid medication and iron supplements should be taken at different times of the day.
You can help increase your body's absorption of iron by avoiding such foods as almonds, cashews and chocolate, and such drinks as coffee, tea, beer and sodas. In fact, omitting all sugar from your diet increases iron absorption. Even iron supplements can be undermined if you are also taking vitamin E, calcium, zinc or antacids. Vitamin C will also aid absorption: drinking 1 glass of orange juice each day may double the amount of iron absorbed.
DAILY REQUIREMENTS
The adult male requires approximately 1.0 mg per day, just enough to cover normal iron loss. The adult female requires approximately 2.0 mg per day, enough for daily loss and menstruation. Pregnant females require approximately 3.0 mg, enough for normal, ongoing loss and fetal requirements. Children require approximately 2.0 mg, enough for normal loss and extra to produce some residual iron stores and allow for increasing red cell mass.
Normal Iron levels are 40-150 ug/dL (female) and 50-160 ug/dL (male). Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
About 60 percent of iron in meat is poorly absorbed; this is a form called non-heme iron. Eggs, dairy products, and vegetables that contain iron only have the non-heme form. Such plants include dried beans and peas, iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta products, dark green leafy vegetables (chard, spinach, mustard greens, kale), dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. (One study reported that even though non-heme iron is normally less easily absorbed, people who were iron deficient absorbed 10 times the amount of non-heme iron as people with normal iron levels.)
ALERT!: Be sure that you do, indeed, have an iron deficiency before taking supplements. Excess iron can damage the liver, pancreas, heart and immune-cell activity and has been linked to cancer. Use any iron supplements under the supervision of a health care provider.
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NUTRITIONAL SOURCES OF IRON
Liver and lean red meats are the richest sources of iron available. These contain heme iron, the most readily absorbed form. Chicken and fish usually contain 1/3 to 1/2 the iron in red meat. Other iron rich foods are apples, apricots, asparagus, beans, bananas, leafy greens, peas, prunes, raisins, parsley, and corn. Blackstrap molasses is another excellent source of iron and essential B vitamins. Take 1 tablespoon twice daily. Also eat foods high in vitamin c to enhance absorption.
Foods For Health - Despite its popularity as an iron-rich source, spinach won't help your iron levels much. It contains oxalates, substances that actually interfere with the absorption of the iron (3 mg in 4 ounces) that it does offer.
Iron Supplements - While iron supplements are an excellent source of iron, certain iron preparations can cause nausea and constipation. If you experience these unpleasant symptoms, try eating organic liver or using liquid liver extracts. They are good alternatives that contain all the essential elements needed for red-blood-cell production.
HERBS
Alfalfa, Bilberry, Wild Cherry, Dandelion Root, Goldenseal, Grape Skins, Hawthorn Berry, Mullein, Nettle, Oregon Grape Root, Pau D'Arco, Red Raspberry, Shepherd's Purse, and Yellow Dock are good for anemia. Parsley, Amaranth Greens, and Kelp are high in iron and helpful for anemia.
An herbal mix for anemia includes: Comfrey, Nettle, Red Clover, Echinacea, Sage, Rue, Elecampane and Yarrow.
Added to this are the Bach Flower Remedies Wild Rose, Pine, and Olive. You can help further by drinking Rosehips Tea and eating some meat and plenty of green vegetables. You should consult your Herbalist if, after a course of 3 to 6 months on the anemia mix and with better habits, the symptoms return after stopping the mix. There will be other issues which need specific attention.
Herbal Remedies: Bach Flower Remedy / Essence Information & Use
Herbal Remedies: Bach Products & Supplements
For pregnancy, I have my pregnant moms drink a Pregnancy Tea consisting of: MOONDRAGON'S PREGNANCY TEA
2 Parts Red Raspberry Leaf
1 Part Nettle Leaf
1 Part Alfalfa Leaf
1 Part Peppermint Leaf
If a woman has problems with anemia, I increase the nettle and alfalfa to 2 parts each. This tea is very healthful in supplying the pregnant woman (and breast feeding woman after the birth) not only hormonal support through the Red Raspberry Leaf, but also supplies a large variety of nutrients, such as iron and calcium to her diet as well as adding digestive support with the use of the peppermint. Sometimes I have used Comfrey as an additional herb for its healthful medicinal properties. Brew as usual using hot water and steeping. It has a great flavor and can be consumed without sweetener or by using a touch of honey as a sweetening agent. It is a great basic tea that other herbs can be added to during pregnancy to help other dietary needs or as a medicinal base for tinctures. It can be frozen into ice pops for use during labor. This tea makes great sun tea and can be mixed and made up in a glass gallon jar (I use an old pickle jar, well cleaned) and steep it in the sun during the summer months. The loose dry herbs can be placed in a couple of 4X4 gauze pads, opened up, placing the herbal mixture in the middle of the gauze and tied with a string or a rubber band. It can also be made using a standard drip coffee maker and coffee filters or using a "tea ball". Hot or Cold, this is a great tea for women of all ages, regardless of pregnancy or not. At least a quart of tea should be consumed throughout the day.
Be sure to obtain quality dried herb from a reliable source with rich color and aroma. Mountain Rose Herbs has a great line of bulk herbs at a reasonable cost. Shaman Shop also has a selection of hard-to-find herbal supplements and Herbal Remedies has a fine selection of products and supplements in capsules, tablets, liquids, powders and tinctures. See links further down on this page to visit these fine online stores.
As always, I recommend you consult with your midwife before taking any supplement, herbal or otherwise, during pregnancy. If you have any problems with this tea or it simply does not agree with you for any reason, discontinue use. However, in 27 years of midwifery, I have never had problems with a pregnant mom using this tea formulation.
Pernicious Anemia and low blood oxygen levels effects health of red blood cells. Herbal approach to treating anemia are the use of Kelp, Ginseng, Nettle, Rosehips, Rue, Yarrow, Comfrey, Echinacea, Red Clover.
Bach Flower remedies include Wild Rose, Sclerantthus, Gorse and Pine.
Yellow Dock root is a easily assimilated source of iron. Yellow dock contains only a small amount of this important mineral, yet herbalists consider it one of the most effective herbs for raising your iron level. Although the way that this herb increases iron remains a mystery, the proof is in the results. Many women with anemia and their health care providers have been amazed when yellow dock brought their iron count up to normal in only a few weeks. For some of these women, yellow dock brought up their iron levels permanently and they were able to discontinue using the herb. Others found that they needed to continue taking it to maintain their iron count at a healthy level.
Even if your anemia is so stubborn that it does not respond to yellow dock, a few additional herbs will usually do the trick. Studies conducted around the world have shown that the roots of Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, cooked Chinese Rehmannia and Chinese Wild Yam increase the assimilation of iron, as do carrots and most green vegetables. (Although Chinese herbs like Rehmannia and wild yam were once restricted to the realm of Chinese medicine, they are now available in most natural food stores or bulk herbal suppliers.) German researchers were so impressed with how Anise, Caraway, Cumin, Peppermint and Linden Flowers improved iron absorption that they suggested that anyone with an iron deficiency drink tea made with at least one of these herbs. Iron-rich herbs include parsley, watercress and the seaweed dulse.
If these herbs seem like the ingredients for the start of a delicious soup or stew base, you're right! Throw in a few beet roots to add even more iron, and dine on this soup at least twice a week. The Chinese traditionally prescribe soups made from healing herbs like Rehmannia, wild yam and burdock. When you wish to incorporate medicinal herb roots into your meals, all you need to do is finely chop or grate them, then treat them like carrots. Caraway and cumin can also be used to spice up beans and vegetables.IRON TEA
2 teaspoons Yellow Dock Root
1/2 teaspoon Nettle Leaves
1/2 teaspoon Dandelion Root
1/2 teaspoon Beet Root
1/2 teaspoon Licorice Root
1/2 teaspoon cooked Rehmannia Root (if available)
3 cups water
Bring herbs and water to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer for 5 minutes. turn off heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out herbs. Drink 2 cups a day. This formula can also be taken as a tincture or in pill form. To take yellow dock by itself, you will want to use a tincture since the taste is so bitter.
For preventing anemia, take 1 tablespoon of yellow dock decoction or 25-40 drops of tincture daily. For treating anemia, use the same dosage as above but three times a day.
Caution: Do not take goldenseal or Oregon grape root during pregnancy. Do not take goldenseal for more than one week at a time, and use it only under a health care provider's supervision if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma.
ALFALFA PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Capsules
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Powder, Whole Food Supplement, NOW Food, 1 lb.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
BILBERRY PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Bilberry, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Bilberry Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 80 mg, 90 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Bilberry Leaf (Vaccinium myrtillus) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Bilberry Extract Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
DANDELION PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Dandelion, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Root, Nature's Way, 540 mg, 180 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Dandelion Tea, NOW Foods, 100% Organic, 30 Tea Bags
GOLDENSEAL PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Goldenseal, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Goldenseal Herb, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 180 Capsules
Herbal Remedies: Goldenseal Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
HAWTHORN BERRY PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Hawthorn, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Hawthorn Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus oxyacantha) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Hawthorn Berry Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
MULLEIN PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Mullein, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Mullein Leaf Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
NETTLE PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Herb, Nature's Way, 435 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Leaf Tea, NOW Foods, 100% Organic, 30 Tea Bags
OREGON GRAPE ROOT PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Oregon Grape Root, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Oregon Grape Root, Nature's Way, 475 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquafolium) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Oregon Grape Root (Wild) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
PAU D'ARCO PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Pau D'Arco, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco Extract, 100% Natural Herbal, 4 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco, Nature's Way, 545 mg, 180 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco Tea, 48 Tea Bags
RED RASPBERRY PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Raspberry, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Leaves, Nature's Way, 480 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Tea, NOW Foods, 30 Tea Bags
SHEPHERD'S PURSE PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Shepherd's Purse, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Shepherd's Purse Herb Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Shepherd's Purse Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
YELLOW DOCK PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Yellow Dock, Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Yellow Dock Root, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
See banner links for Mountain Rose Herbs and HerbalRemedies.com near the bottom of the page to search for product links not included above or below.
HERBS TO AVOID
People who have anemia should avoid damiana, fennel, grapeseed extract, and rooibos. Herbs containing high concentrations of tannins interfere with the absorption of iron supplements. Avoid taking iron supplements within 2 to 3 hours of using agrimony, chebula, gambir, green tea, uva ursi, white willow bark, or any form of St. John's wort other than hypericin-standardized capsules or tablets.
TCM (TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE) FORMULAS
Four-Substance Decoction: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that treats all forms of anemia.
Si Wu Tang
[Four-Substance Decoction; Soup of Four Things; Tangkuei Four Decoction]
Class: Tonify
Subclass: Tonify the Blood
Source/Author: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era)
Recipe:Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Praeparata) 35.70%
Actions: Harmonizes the Liver. Moves Blood. Nourishes Blood.
Bai Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) 28.60%
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 25.00%
Chuan Xiong (Radix Ligustici Wallichii) 10.70%
Indications: Blood Deficiency, primarily of the Liver.
Symptoms: Amenorrhea; Anemia; Blurred vision; Dizziness; Dysmenorrhea; Irregular menstruation; Pain of the lower abdomen; Periumbilical pain; Postpartum weakness; Threatened miscarriage; Agalactia; Brittle nails; Dry nails; Dull complexion; Generalized muscle tension; Headache; Lochiometra; Pale complexion; Restless fetus disorder; Urticaria; Pale tongue; Fine-Choppy pulse (Xi Se); Fine-Wiry pulse (Xi Xian)
Preparation: DECOCTION: 40-50 g/liter until 40 cl remain.
Administration/Dosage schedule: DECOCTION: Take 3-4 times daily, before meals.
Contraindications: Acute and severe Blood loss (following hemorrhage, for example).
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Include the following in your diet: apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, egg yolks, kelp, leafy greens, okra, parsley, peas, plums, prunes, purple grapes, raisins, rice bran, squash, turnip greens, whole grains, and yams. Also eat foods and drink juices high in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.
Increasing intake of vitamin-C rich foods can enhance absorption of non-heme iron during a single meal, although regular intake of vitamin C does not appear to have any significant effect on iron stores. In any case, vitamin-C rich foods are healthful and include broccoli, cabbage, citrus fruits, melon, tomatoes, and strawberries. One orange or six ounces of orange juice can double the amount of iron your body absorbs from plant foods.
To combat anemia, it's important to increase your consumption of iron-rich foods and supplement with B vitamins and minerals like copper. Foods containing riboflavin (vitamin B-2-) may help enhance the response of hemoglobin to iron. Sources include liver, dried fortified cereals, and yogurt. The only natural dietary sources of B-12 are animal products, such as meats, dairy products, eggs, and fish (clams and oily fish are very high in B-12-); like other B vitamins, however, B-12 is added to commercial dried cereals. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 2.4 mcg a day. Deficiencies are rare in young people, although the elderly may have trouble absorbing natural vitamin B-12 and require synthetic forms from supplements and fortified foods.
Folate is best found in avocado, bananas, orange juice, cold cereal, asparagus, fruits, green, leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, and yeast. The synthetic form, folic acid, is now added to commercial grain products. Vitamins are usually made from folic acid, which is about twice as potent as folate. Many experts now recommend that adults have 400 mcg of folic acid daily, which is considerably higher than standard recommendations of 400 mcg of folate, which does not take into consideration the possible benefits of folate on the heart. Low levels of folate during pregnancy are common without supplements; deficiencies at that time increase the risk of neural tube defects in newborns. Women who are planning to get pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid before conception as well as when they are pregnant or breast feeding.
Grape juice with no sugar or preservatives added is a wonderful source of iron. Drink 8 ounces every day.
Obtaining a juicer and making healthy juice drinks is a great way of getting unsweetened, pure, healthful fruit and vegetable juices. See MoonDragon's Therapeutic Liquids for more juicing recommendations.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Juicing
Soak 10 currants overnight. Remove seeds and have for 3-4 weeks and have first thing in the morning.
Eat raw spinach salads often. Be sure to wash the spinach thoroughly. Combine any of the following in your spinach salad-watercress, radish, kohlrabi, garlic, chives, leek and onion. They are all high in iron.
Daily intake of 3-4 pieces of dry figs helps in curing anemia.
Every morning after breakfast and every evening after dinner, eat two dried apricots. Snack on raisins.
Beet juice is the best anemia remedy. You can easily make this using a juicer. Carrots and other vegetables can be added for a raw veggie drink. Throw a few beet roots into your soup a few times a week.
Try to cook in cast iron pots and skillets. It is proven that doing it can significantly increases the amount of iron in your foods.
Honey is very good for an anemic person because it helps increase the hemoglobin in the blood. It is rich in iron, copper and manganese. Caution: Do not give raw honey to babies or very young children.
Iron rich meats may include salmon, mackerel, clams, oysters, mussels, sardines, anchovies, shellfish, organ meats such as liver, heart, tongue, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and other fish.
Consume at least 1 tablespoon of Blackstrap molasses twice daily (for a child, use 1 teaspoon in a glass of milk or formula twice daily). Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron, calcium, and essential B vitamins.
Eat foods containing oxalic acid in moderation or omit them from the diet. Oxalic acid interferes with iron absorption. Foods high in oxalic acid include almonds, cashews, chocolate, cocoa, kale, rhubarb, soda, sorrel, spinach, Swiss chard, and most nuts and beans.
Avoid beer and other alcoholic beverages, candy bars, dairy products, ice cream, and soft drinks such as cola. Additives in these foods interfere with iron absorption. For the same reason, avoid coffee (which contains polyphenols) and black tea (which contains tannins). Avoid excessive bran since it contains phytic acid. Seeds also contain phytic acid that can impede the body's absorption of dietary iron.
Avoid alkalinizers and phosphates. They inhibit absorption.
Avoid or minimize your exposure to lead and other toxic metals such as aluminum, cadmium and mercury. Do not use aluminum cookware.
Have a complete blood test to determine if you have an iron deficiency before taking iron supplements. Excess iron can damage the liver, heart, pancreas, and immune cell activity and has been linked to cancer. Use iron supplements only under the supervision of a health care provider.
Because iron is removed through the stool, do not eat foods high in iron and/or iron supplements at the same time as fiber. Avoid using bran as a source of fiber.
If you are a strict vegetarian, watch your diet closely. Taking supplemental vitamin B-12 is advised.
Do not smoke. Avoid second hand smoke.
Take a daily Multivitamin. Do not take any iron supplement without consulting with your health care provider.
Do not take calcium, vitamin E, zinc, or antacids at the same time as iron supplements. These can interfere with iron absorption.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT & MEDICATIONS FOR ANEMIA
This information was obtained from: Hpathy.com. See their website for more helpful information regarding Homeopathic Treatments.
Ferrum metallicum [Ferr]: Iron is the great allopathic remedy for anemia from almost any cause. It is also a great homeopathic remedy, but it will not cure every case of anemia; careful individualization is necessary. When the patient has an appearance of full bloodedness or plethora, which is followed by paleness or earthiness of the face and puffiness of the extremities, then Ferrum will benefit. It is not the remedy for the anemia resulting from loss of fluids; that is Cinchona, or perhaps Natrum muriaticum. When Ferrum is indicated the mucous membranes are pale, more so than with Cinchona, and there is apt to be an anemia murmur in the veins of the neck. The patient is easily exhausted. Vomiting of food after eating may occur. The patient is constantly chilly and perhaps has an afternoon or evening fever simulating hectic fever. In very stubborn cases sometimes Ferrum phosphoricum may serve better than Ferrum metallicum. Schuessler recommends first Calcarea phosphorica, then Ferrum phosphoricum. In simple, uncomplicated chlorosis Ferrum is one of our best remedies. Hughes recommends Ferrum redactum 1x or 2X. Ludlam praises Ferrum et strychnia citrate 3X, Dr. Jousset, Ferrum aceticum or the Ferrum protoxalate, and Dr. Holcombe of New Orleans, used Ferrum phosphoricum. All these preparations of Iron may benefit cases of anemia and chlorosis; if so, it is by virtue of their similarity to the symptoms of the case, and not because one or the other preparation of Iron is a tonic in the allopathic sense. By giving the indicated preparation of Iron it removes the underlying dyscrasia giving rise to the anemic or chlorotic conditions and cures the trouble.
Herbal Remedies: Ionic Iron Supplement, With Concentrace, Trace Minerals, 2 oz.
Pulsatilla [Puls]: Pulsatilla is the great antidote to Iron, and hence is indicated in the anemic condition produced by large or continued doses of it. The system is relaxed and worn out; the patient is chilly and suffers from gastric and menstrual derangements. Thus the symptoms resemble closely those calling for Ferrum. The cause of the anemia must be sought for, and if the case comes from allopathic hands it is safe to infer that much Iron has been given and Pulsatilla will surely be the remedy. The Pulsatilla patient feels better in the open air. Dizziness on rising, absence of thirst, and the peculiar disposition will lead to the remedy. Cyclamen, which is similar in many respects, differ from Pulsatilla in dreading the fresh air. Cinchona is the chief remedy for anemia resulting from loss of fluids, as in lactation or hemorrhage, or from all exhausting discharges, such as menstrual flow, long-lasting diarrhea, and sexual excesses and loss of semen. The quality of the blood is actually poorer in cases calling for Cinchona. Special symptoms are heaviness of the head, loss of sight, fainting and ringing in the ears, pale sallow complexion, sour belching, poor digestion and bloated abdomen. The patient is sensitive to draughts of air yet wants to be fanned. Dr. George Royal thinks many physicians err in giving Cinchona too low in symptomatic anemia when much time has elapsed since the drain was made on the system. He finds the 30th productive of better results than the lower preparations. Natrum muriaticum is also a remedy for anemic and debilitated conditions due to loss of fluids, especially in women who suffer from menstrual disorders and in chronic cases with a dead, dirty-looking skin. Chininum arsenicosum is sometimes prescribed for anemia, not, however, on the totality of the symptoms, but because it is said to be "good for it." It has been found curative in certain cases of pernicious anemia. Acetic acid suits anemic nursing women, with waxy skin, and thirst.
Calcarea carbonica [Calc]: Almost any of the deeper acting constitutional remedies may be of use in anemic and debilitated conditions, and especially are the Calcareas useful. Thus we have Calcarea phosphorica as the remedy for the "green sickness," chlorosis of young girls, with a complexion like wax, alabaster lips and ears, a bright eye, and when they smile or laugh it is a sickly one. The face sometimes has a true greenish hue or a sallow one. In such cases the menses are apt to be too early and then calcarea phosphorica is well indicated for this condition. Calcarea carbonica is indicated by the psoric, scrofulous or tubercular diathesis and the general symptoms of the drug, by disgust for meat, craving for sour and indigestible things, swelling of abdomen, vertigo and palpitation on going upstairs. The patient is in a state of worry. Constantly imagining calamities. Alumina is also a remedy for chlorosis due to the scrofulous diathesis and from improper nourishment, such as occurs in some children brought up on artificial foods. Nux vomica, too, may be indicated in anaemic conditions when due to gastro-intestinal derangements. Plumbum has been recommended for inveterate chlorosis with obstinate constipation. Alumina also, being an antipsoric, is the remedy for anemic conditions about puberty, with abnormal craving for indigestible substances, such as slate pencils, chalk, etc.
Arsenicum [Ars]: This being a direct poison to the red blood corpuscles takes first rank in cases of pernicious anemia or in anemia due to a malarial of toxic influence. Dr. Blackley, of England, reported four cases of pernicious anemia cured with small doses of the remedy. It does not correspond to simple anemia so well. Its indications are excessive prostration considerable edema, violent and irregular palpitation, marked appetite for acids and brandy, extreme anxiety and rapid emaciation. There is irritable stomach and intense thirst. When the allopathic school uses Arsenic as a blood tonic, and Dr. Bartholow says, "it is one of the most valuable remedies in the treatment of chlorosis and anemia," it does so on strictly Homeopathic principles. Picric acid. The extreme prostration of pernicious anemia, with a heavy tired feeling all over the body, burning pains along the spine and aggravation from excitement indicate this remedy.
Helonias [Helon]: An excellent remedy in anemia and chlorosis. It suits especially anemia from prolonged hemorrhage in women enervated by indolence and luxury, or such as are worn out with hard work; they are too tired to sleep and the strained muscles burn and ache A characteristic modality is that the patient is better when the attention is engaged, hence better when the doctor comes. This anemia is associated with disturbances in the urinary and sexual organs. Tired, anemic, backachey females need Helonias, "It is one of the best blood makers that we have." (E. G. Jones.)
Aletris [Alet]: Chlorosis. "The China of the uterine organs." (Hale.) Tired dull, heavy, confused. Debility of females from protracted illness; no organic disease. Power and energy of mind and body are weakened.
Secale [Sec]: This remedy produces a progressives general anemia. It is shown by the peculiar cachexia of anemia, pale, bloodless, jaundiced color. By its effect on the blood corpuscles it produces a general anemia, threatening not only the life of a part, but vitiating the whole life of the bodily economy. It is a sort of a mechanical anemia.
Natrum muriaticum [Nat-m]: This is one of our best remedies in anemic conditions. There is paleness, and, in spite of the fact that the patient eats well, there is emaciation. There are attacks of throbbing headache and dyspnea, especially on going up stairs, constipation and depression of spirits, and consolation aggravates. With these symptoms there is much palpitation, fluttering and intermittent action of the heart. The hypochondriasis in these cases is marked. Scanty menstruation is frequently an indicating symptom. Kali carbonicum is one of the most important remedies in anemia, weak heart, sweats, backache, especially with female complaints.
AYURVEDA &ANEMIA
This information was obtained from www.ayurvedahc.com. Please visit their website for more in depth information about Ayurvedic Treatment of ailments.
Anemia is a deficiency in the quality or quantity of one's blood. It is generally a pitta (fire) derangement. Generally the liver is involved, as bile enters the blood and thins it out. The refined eye of Ayurveda also notes that anemia, like most imbalances, can be caused by any of the three doshas. Vayu anemia is due to deficiency and/or malnourishment; Kapha anemia is caused partly by excess weight, congestion and edema. You can determine whether you have anemia by several factors, pale or lifelessness, low energy, low grade fever or burning sensation, irregular elimination or yellowish and scanty urine, indigestion, vertigo, fainting, fatigue, and women may notice a pale or scanty menstrual flow, or no flow at all., the inner part of the lower eyelid will have no redness to it and if you squeeze your hand into a fist for a few seconds and release, the blood will take a long time to return to the palm.
There are many causes for anemia, both dietary and lifestyle. Excess hot, sour and salty foods, and alcohol derange the blood. Malnutrition is another cause. A traumatic injury, pregnancy, excess menstruation or bleeding condition, febrile diseases, liver disorders and excess sexual indulgence can derange the kidneys, blood and ojas or life sap creating an anemic situation. For women, immediately after a menstrual cycle, blood building herbs are recommended.
GENERAL BLOOD BUILDERS: Organic milk from free range cows & boiled, black sesame seeds, pomegranate or black grape juice, molasses, sucanat (whole cane sugar) are all good foods. Iron supplements, vitamin A & E are useful only if taken with ginger or cinnamon to help assimilate the mineral. Chyavan prash, 2-3 tsp. twice daily with the warm milk, turmeric and ghee are all useful suggestions. A mild laxative is suggested to regulate the bowls, helping drain the excess bile from the liver; aloe vera gel and triphala are the gentlest treatments.
GENERAL HERBAL THERAPY: In addition to aloe and triphala, saffron, shatavari, manjishtha and punarnava are the main treatments.
GENERAL GEM THERAPY: Red coral (or any red stones like garnet or ruby) improve blood circulation, particularly for Vayu and Kapha doshas. Pearl or moonstone are good for Vayu and Pitta constitutions.
SPECIFIC TREATMENTS: Each constitution or dosha is suggested to follow their food guidelines.
MEAT: Ayurveda suggests using meat only as a medicine since meat does not actually rebuild and regenerate the cells and tissues. In the case of extreme weakness, such as advanced cases of anemia, red meat (or its substitutes like liver pills) and bone soups are useful to take until the anemia is treated.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Eating fish at the same time as vegetables containing iron increases iron absorption. Omitting all sugar from the diet increases iron absorption as well.
Iron-deficiency anemia should disappear when the underlying cause is corrected.
Health care providers can sometimes detect vitamin B-12 deficiency by measuring serum B-12 levels, taking a complete blood cell count, and doing a blood test called the Shilling test, which evaluates B-12 absorption. Persons with pernicious anemia must take vitamin B-12 sublingually (dissolved under the tongue), by retention enema, or by injection. This treatment must be maintained for life, unless the underlying cause of the deficiency can be corrected.
Hydroxyuria (Droxia), a cancer drug, may be prescribed for people with sickle cell anemia who are over the age of 18 and have experienced 3 or more crises in a one-year period. The drug eases symptoms, but is not a cure for the disease.
Over 75 percent of people undergoing chemotherapy experience some degree of debilitating fatigue, and over 60 percent list fatigue as their number one problem. Usually, this fatigue results from a form of anemia known as thrombocytopenia, in which red blood cell counts are greatly reduced, a common side effect of cancer treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under one year old not drink cow's milk. Milk can cause anemia by interfering with iron absorption and possibly causing internal bleeding. The AAP published the results of a University of Iowa study that found the blood content in the stool of infants fed cow's milk was 5 times higher than children fed infant formula. Researchers concluded the amount of iron lost was "nutritionally important". MoonDragon recommends babies under the age of 1 year should be breastfed if at all possible rather than using baby formula. BREAST IS BEST! However there are situations in which breastmilk is not available or a mother is unable to breastfeed her baby due to an illness or medication she may need to take. If your baby must be fed a baby formula, research the brands and find one best suited for your baby. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare brands. Not all formulas are created equally.
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). Very Important Blackstrap Molasses Adults: 1 tablespoon twice daily.
Children: 1 teaspoon twice daily.An excellent source of iron and other important nutrients. See above under Holistic Recommendations. Folic Acid 800 mcg twice daily. Needed for red blood cell formation.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 800 mcg, 100 CapsPlus
Biotin300 mcg daily. Needed for red blood cell formation.
Biotin Coenzyme, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 1000 mcg, 100 Sublingual Lozenges.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.
Iron Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 20 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Ionic Iron Supplement With ConcenTrace, Trace Minerals, 2 oz.,
Iron Gluconate, Nature's Way, 18 mg, 100 CapsOr
Floradix Iron Plus Herbs2 teaspoons daily. Contains a readily absorbable form of iron that is non-toxic and from a natural source. Vitamin B-12
(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.
Vitamin B-12 Complex Liquid, Now Foods, 2 fl. oz.Or
Vitamin B-122,000 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-12 Complex Liquid, Now Foods, 2 fl. oz.Important Vitamin B Complex 50 mg 3 times daily. B vitamins work best when taken together. A sublingual form is recommended.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 CapsPantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5) 50 mg 3 times daily. Important in red blood cell production.
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 CapsVitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) 100 mg daily. Involved in cellular reproduction. Aids absorption of vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 100 mg, 100 CapsVitamin C 3,000-10,000 mg daily. Important in iron absorption.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 TabsHelpful Brewer's Yeast As directed on label. Rich in basic nutrients and a good source of B vitamins.
Brewer's Yeast, Debittered, NOW Foods, 1 lb.,
Brewer's Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 TabsCoenzyme A
Coenzyme A TechnologiesAs directed on label. Supports the immune system's detoxification of many dangerous substances.
Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, NOW Foods, 300 mg, 60 Softgels,Copper 2 mg daily. Needed in red blood cell production. Note: If more zinc is used, increase copper proportionately.
Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.Zinc 30 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount. Needed to balance with copper.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 CapsRaw Spleen Glandular As directed on label. See Glandular Therapy for more information. SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine) As directed on label. Helps reduce stress and depression. Caution: Do not use if you have manic-depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants.
SAM-e, Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 30 TabsVitamin A 10,000 IU daily. Important antioxidant.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 SoftgelsPlus Natural Beta-Carotene 15,000 IU daily. Important antioxidant.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsOr Carotenoid Complex (Betatene) As directed on label. Important antioxidant.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsVitamin E 200-600 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 assimilation. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form, if available.
Vitamin E, D-Alpha-Tocopherol, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Softgels,
Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols, Unesterified, 400 IU NOW Foods, 250 Softgels,
Vitamin E, DL-Alpha-Tocopherol, Hypoallergenic, Allergy Research Group, Nutricology, 400 IU, 120 Softgels
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.
Alfalfa Leaf Root Powder (Medicago Sativa), Kosher, 4 oz. Bulk
Alfalfa's (Medicago sativa) deep root system pulls valuable minerals from the soil. With the aid of sunlight, nutrients including beta carotene and chlorophyll are made available to the body in a usable form.Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 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.Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi-Vitamin with Mineral, Nature's Way, 18 mg 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.Alive! Whole Food Energizer Ultra Multi-Vitamin Powder Shake Mix With Soy Protein, Vanilla, Nature's Way, 2.2 lb.
Alive Ultra Shake multi vitamin is the ultimate source for nutritional energy. In addition to being a comprehensive whole food multivitamin it has the added benefit of Solae soy protein. There are more invigorating nutrients from more natural sources in each serving than are contained in any other supplement.Amalaki (Dhatri), 100% Natural, 450 mg, 120 VCaps
Amalaki is an Ayurvedic effective against allergies, anemia, cold & flu, constipation, diabetes, digestive disorders, and liver problems.American Ginseng Root Candy, Prince of Peace, 5.3 oz.
American Ginseng, an adaptogen with yin properties that has a sedative effect on the central nervous system.American Ginseng Whole Root (Panax Quinquefolium), 4 oz. Bulk
Ginseng is considered to be the King of all Tonics; as it provides stimulation to the entire body for stress, fatigue, weakness, and deficiencies. It stimulates and improves the brain cells and is especially stimulating for mental fatigue.Anemia Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Used for anemia, sore throat, helps to cleanse and build the blood.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.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.Beet Root, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way use only selected Beet Root from prime North American sources.Beta Carotene, Natural Dunaliella Salina, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella salina.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.Biotin Coenzyme, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 1000 mcg, 100 Sublingual Lozenges
Biotin is an enzyme cofactor which assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates and in the production of fatty acids. It also assists in activating the energy transfer molecule ATP.Black Cherry Fruit Extract, NOW Foods, 750 mg, 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.Blood Circulator, 100% Natural, Jingul Huayu, 450 mg, 60 Caps
This time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine to promote micro-circulation, increase blood flow to heart muscles, open and clear arteries, inhibit intestinal adhesion, soothe the liver, remove stasis and maintain healthy blood circulation and regular menses.Brewers Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 Tabs
Brewer's Yeast has been shown to help people having difficulty sleeping, fatigued, and diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.Chlorofresh, Chlorophyll Supplement, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 90 Softgels
Chlorofresh, Chlorophyll Supplement, is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence.Chlorofresh Liquid Natural, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is a special liquid chlorophyll complex, derived from premium alfalfa leaves. Chlorofresh is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence.Cobalt Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Cobalt is a pure liquid Cobalt supplement. Cobalt is an important agent of Vitamin B-12; it increases the body's ability to absorb it.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.Colon & Liver Cleanser, Truman's CAC Tea, Loose Leaf, 1/2 lb.
Use of this cleansing tea has many additional benefits: improves overall digestion; strengthens the immunity; helps to prevent cancer; makes the skin more emollient and flexible: clears the eyes; and provides an overall tonic effect on the body.Comfrey Leaf Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
One of the most well-known healing plants, especially for its ability to heal tissue and bone.Comfrey Leaf Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Comfrey contains allantoin, which promotes the growth of connective tissue, bone, cartilage, and is easily absorbed through the skin.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.Dandelion Root Powder (Taraxacum Officinale), 4 oz. Bulk
Dandelion root is known as a Blood purifier used for liver and kidney disorders. Dandelion root also contains nutritive salts to build up the blood.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 post-menopausal women.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.Ester C with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 500 mg / 200 mg, 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.Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 800 mcg, 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.Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Powder, 8 oz.
This Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is safe and nontoxic and destroys intestinal parasites physically by injuring them.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; WoundsHawthorn Berries, Nature's Way, 510 mg, 180 VCaps
Hawthorn berries of this European species have been used since ancient times for well-being and as a cardiovascular tonic.Heart Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The Heart Formula can be used for anemia, fatigue and heart problems.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.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.Iron Complex w/ Vitamins & Herbs, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 250 Tabs
Now Foods utilizes the superior Albion Labs patented Ferrochel iron chelate which research has shown to be highly absorbed, well tolerated, and non-constipating at recommended levels.Iron Gluconate, Nature's Way, 18 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Iron gluconate is an advanced chelate form which provides superior absorption and it contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.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.Kidney Support Wellness Oil, 2 fl. oz.
Kidney Support Wellness Oil was designed to promote the health of your kidneys.Kids Superfood Powder, Chocolate Flavor, Children's Supplement, 200 g.
The SuperFood Children's Supplement has 33 fruits and vegetables with a healthy scoop of cocoa to bring a new and tasty way for kids to get the anti-oxidant power of 3 servings of fruits and vegetables in one glass.Maca Powder (Lepidum Meyenii), 4 oz. Bulk
Today Maca root is used to increase energy and support the immune system. Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Maca Powder can help a number of conditions from fatigue to frigidity.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.Meta C Vitamin C Supplement, 1000 mg, 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.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.Ola-Loa Childrens Multi-Vitamin Drink Mix, Cran-Raspberry, 30 Packets
Better your kids health by introducing them to this Child Multi-Vitamin based upon the most up-to-date studies on nutrition and child development and is 100% all-natural.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.Oregon Grape Root (Wild) Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Oregon Grape Root is used in liver deficiency, constipation, poor fat and protein metabolism, and general blood cleansing.Pantothenic Acid, 100% Natural Vitamin B-5, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-5, is 100% natural calcium pantothenate. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Pau D Arco (Purple Lapacho), Inner Bark, 545 mg, 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.Potassium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 340 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Potassium is a pure liquid Potassium supplement. Potassium aids rheumatic or arthritic conditions and is vital for the elimination of wastes.Red Raspberry Leaves, 480 mg, 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.Rhodiola Root Extract, Standardized To Minimum 3% Rosavins & 1% Salidrosides, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 60 VCaps
Today, Rhodiola root extract is a commonly used herb to boost the immune system and boost energy levels naturally and supports memory and mental clarity.SAM-e, Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 30 Tabs
SAM-e was discovered in 1952 in Italy and has been researched and manufactured there. SAM-e works closely with folic acid and vitamin B-12.Seabuckthorn Seed Oil, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 60 Softgels
A rare source of vitamin E, Seabuckthorn Oil also provides other vitamins including Vitamins A, C, D, K, etc, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, serotonin and 28 trace elements: iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine, etc.Selenium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Selenium is pure liquid Selenium supplement. Selenium promotes normal body growth, enhances fertility, encourages tissue elasticity and is a potent antioxidant.Shepherd's Purse Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Shepherd's Purse is mainly used to stop bleeding of all kinds.Spleen & Pancreas Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Use the Spleen & Pancreas Formula to strengthen and nourish the spleen and pancreas naturally.St. John's Wort, Perika, 300 mg, 60 Tabs
Nature's Way St. John's Wort is scientifically advanced to maintain a healthy emotional outlook.Supreme Beijing Royal Jelly With Bee Pollen, 10 ml Vials, 30 Vials
Beijing Royal Jelly with Bee Pollen is naturally dense in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and much more.TheraClear Anti-Parasite Formula, 120 Caps
A regular natural detoxification program including TheraClear Anti Parasite Formula and a colon cleanser to promote proper elimination has been recommended by various naturopaths.U O Clear (Ovarian Cyst & Fibroid Support), 500 mg, 60 Caps
The herbs work synergistically to strengthen the body's natural capability of female systems self-cleaning functions, especially for uterus and ovary.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 100 mg, 100 Caps
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is converted in the body to the main coenzyme responsible for amino acid and protein metabolism.Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin), 50 mcg & B-9 (Folic Acid), 400 mcg, 1 fl. oz.
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and helps in the prevention of pernicious anemia.Vitamin B-100 Complex With Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
A complete Vitamin B complex of 8 essential vitamins. B Vitamins are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.Vitamin C Liquid, with Rose Hips and Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, 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.Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols, Unesterified, NOW Foods, 400 IU, 250 Softgels
Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and the primary defense against lipid peroxidation. Vitamin E is particularly important in protecting the body's cells from free radical/oxidative damage.Yellow Dock Root, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Yellow Dock root is one of the best blood cleansing herbs for chronic skin diseases, purges lymph glands, liver ailments, psoriasis, anemia, rheumatism, coughs and helps with Iron deficiency.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Yellow Dock root is one of the best blood cleansing herbs for chronic skin diseases, purges lymph glands, liver ailments, psoriasis, anemia, rheumatism, coughs and helps with Iron deficiency.FOR PETS HEALTH Nu-Pet Canine Chewable Wafers, Vitamins & Antioxidant Formula, Ark Naturals, 270 Wafers
Nu-Pet Canine Chewable Wafers provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, with a taste your pet is sure to love. Nu-Pet Canine Chewable Wafers are low in calories (a special benefit for overweight dogs) and are formulated by nutritional scientist using only the best all natural ingredients.Nu-Pet Canine Chewable Wafers, Vitamins & Antioxidant Formula, Ark Naturals, 90 Wafers
Nu-Pet Canine Chewable Wafers provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, with a taste your pet is sure to love. Nu-Pet Canine Chewable Wafers are low in calories (a special benefit for overweight dogs) and are formulated by nutritional scientist using only the best all natural ingredients.Herbal Remedies: Anemia Information
Herbal Remedies: Anemia Supplements & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of anemia.
Symptoms do not improve in 2 weeks, despite treatment.
Symptoms of infection (fever, chills, and muscle aches) occur during treatment.
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