Iron、Vitamin B12、Folic Acid、Vitamin C

Anemia: a disease that should not be overlooked

Anemia is generally defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or in the quantity of hemoglobin (the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in blood).[1] This decreases the amount of oxygen that could be provided to the body cells and tissues and as such reduces energy production, resulting in tiredness or other symptoms. Severe anemia could be damaging to organs and may even cause death.[2-3]

Anemia is the world’s second leading cause of disability, according to the World Health Organization. Anemia is a major public health concern with over 1.6 billion people in the world suffering from this disease. [1] Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, adolescent, infants and vegetarians are of particular high risk due to menstrual blood loss, increased dietary iron requirement for growth or lack of particular nutrients in diet. [3]

In fact, iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, as well as deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid. [4] To produce red blood cells, our body needs iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. Taking dietary supplements could compensate for inadequate intake of these important nutrients from diet. For adolescent with iron deficiency anemia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) recommends intake of 60mg elemental iron 1-2 times per day. [5]