Anemia

Please note that the following does not replace medical or nutritional advice from a healthcare professional.

Treatment of anemia can be divided into 5 steps:

1. Finding the underlying cause with the help of your physician.

2. Treating the underlying cause, if possible.

3. Supplements: Getting a B12/iron/folic acid supplement, depending on what type of deficiency you have. Note that you should take B12 regularly, even if you are not B12 deficient. Iron supplements should be prescribed by your physician/dietitian.

4. Emphasis on getting everything you need in your diet: A balanced vegan diet with a vitamin B12 supplement should not be a cause of anemia. There are many plant-based sources of iron including legumes, soy products, certain leafy green vegetables, broccoli, iron-fortified cereals, whole grains, whole sesame tahini, blackstrap molasses, dried fruits. Eat a variety of these sources to ensure you’re getting enough iron in your diet.

Iron absorption is markedly increased by eating foods containing vitamin C (many fresh vegetables and fruits) at the same time as foods containing iron, soaking & sprouting legumes, and avoiding coffee, tea and herbal teas when you’re eating foods containing iron.

5. Follow-up blood tests.