Nutritional anemias, although rare, are associated with poor bone marrow cell production and low reticulocyte counts and indices. Starvation leads to an overall failure to make new red blood cells, for lack of raw material. Another way to starve, even though you may be eating enough, is for your intestines to not absorb the food. When you fail to absorb what you eat, you will have diarrhea and weight loss in addition to the anemia.
Iron, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can produce a nutritional anemia, but these are discussed elsewhere under Iron Deficiency Anemia or Megaloblastic Anemia. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Anemia (Uncommon Nutritional)
Low red blood cell count
Rapid pulse rate
Fatigue on light exertion
Constant fatigue
Counter Indicators
Not having constant fatigue
Easily being short of/always being short of breath
Lighter/paler skin color
Conditions that suggest Anemia (Uncommon Nutritional)
Risk factors for Anemia (Uncommon Nutritional)
Pyroluria
Pyrolurics are generally anemic.
Vitamin B6 Requirement
Another way to develop an anemia that looks like an iron deficiency anemia, is to have a problem with a vitamin B6. It is necessary to form the molecule that holds the iron in place in hemoglobin. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol may run into trouble with lack of this vitamin.
Anemia (Uncommon Nutritional) suggests the following may be present
Pyroluria
Pyrolurics are generally anemic.
Recommendations for Anemia (Uncommon Nutritional)
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Weakly counter-indicative |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
Glossary
Red Blood Cell
Any of the hemoglobin-containing cells that carry oxygen to the tissues and are responsible for the red color of blood.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Anemia
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Cobalamin
Vitamin B-12. Essential for normal growth and functioning of all body cells, especially those of bone marrow (red blood cell formation), gastrointestinal tract and nervous system, it prevents pernicious anemia and plays a crucial part in the reproduction of every cell of the body i.e. synthesis of genetic material (DNA).
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin B6
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
Hemoglobin
The oxygen-carrying protein of the blood found in red blood cells.