The term Anaemia is generally used to describe a multitude of blood conditions which affects the concentration of the red blood pigments haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is needed for the transportation of oxygen to body tissue, low concentrations of haemoglobin cause exhaustion and weakness. There are many causes of Anaemia such as genetic disorders, lack of bone marrow red blood cells due bone marrow disease, loss of blood through bowel tumour, heavy periods or peptic ulceration and serious diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, and pernicious anaemia.

Typical symptoms of Anaemia are feeling tired or fatigue, lethargic, poor concentration, weakness, light-headedness, headaches, breathlessness, tinnitus, pale skin, irritability and frequent colds.

Good nutrition can help with Anaemia, if your Anaemia is caused by an iron deficiency, then including foods which have high iron content such as shellfish, sardines, red meats, wholemeal bread, green vegetables, wheat germ, egg yolk and dried fruit. Red meat has an easier form of iron to absorb than vegetables, it is also important not to overcook your vegetables. It is best to avoid tea and coffee consumption as these affect iron absorption. To increase haemoglobin concentrations eat beetroot and drink beetroot juice.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Anaemia.

Antioxidants

Copper (if deficient)

Folic acid

Iron (when iron deficiency is diagnosed)

L-carnitine

Magnesium

Taurine (if deficient in iron)

Vitamin A (if deficient)

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B12 (if deficient)

Vitamin B2 (if deficient)

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Zinc