by EBSCO Medical Review Board

Some healthy habits can help manage anemia and boost overall health.

Nutrition

People who have anemia need more iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These are found in foods and in supplements.

Vitamin C can also help the body absorb more iron from the foods you eat.

Lifestyle

These lifestyle changes can help:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Do not use illegal drugs.
  • Do not drink alcohol or only drink in moderation. This means 2 drinks or less a day for men and 1 drink or less a day for women.

References

Anemia. American Society of Hematology website. Available at: http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia. Accessed September 16, 2019.

Anemia. National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia. Accessed September 16, 2019.

DeLoughery TG. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Med Clin North Am. 2017 Mar;101(2):319-332.

Iron deficiency anemia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/condition/iron-deficiency-anemia-in-adults . Updated March 14, 2019. Accessed September 16, 2019.

Overview of decreased erythropoiesis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/anemias-caused-by-deficient-erythropoiesis/overview-of-decreased-erythropoiesis. Updated July 2018. Accessed September 16, 2019.

Revision Information