Iron deficiency anemia may be a result of poor diet, pregnancy, blood loss or the side effects of medication. Synthetic iron supplements may cause constipation, stomach upset and bloating. Some natural dietary sources of iron, such as apricots, spinach, prunes, blackstrap molasses and raisins, may have a laxative effect. Iron absorption is enhanced by foods high in vitamin C and inhibited by tea, coffee and calcium. Many herbs that do not cause constipation are high in iron; only a few have been scientifically studied in the treatment of anemia. Consult with a health care professional before taking any herb or herbal supplement.
Alfalfa
Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem among women in India. A study, published in the March 2010 issue of "Public Health Nutrition," investigated the ability of alfalfa leaf concentration compared to iron and folic acid supplements in the treatment of anemia in 100 teenage girls in India. The girls, who were mildly to severely anemic, were randomized into two groups. One group received iron and folic acid pills and the other group received the leaf concentrate supplement. Blood work was evaluated before and after the intervention. Eleven subjects dropped out of the group receiving iron pills due to side effects compared to one in the leaf concentrate group. After three months, none of the girls were severely anemic and 51 showed normal hemoglobin concentrations. The study concluded that alfalfa leaf concentrate is an effective and more palatable substitute for iron and folic acid supplements in the treatment of anemia in adolescent girls.
Chlorella
A nutritional blue-green algae, chlorella grows in fresh water and sunlight. It is rich in protein, folate, vitamin B-12 and iron. Japanese researchers tested the ability of chlorella to prevent anemia and pregnancy-related high blood pressure in 32 women when compared to a control group. The subjects received 6 grams of chlorella daily during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. At term, significantly more women in the control group were anemic, defined as a hemoglobin less than 11g/dL. The women taking chlorella also had fewer signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension during the weeks before delivery. The study, published in the March 2010 issue of "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition," concluded that results suggest chlorella supplementation effectively reduces the risk of anemia and other complications during pregnancy.
Angelica
Also known as dong quai, angelica is a traditional herbal remedy for menstrual irregularities and menopausal complaints. In childbirth it may be used to facilitate delivery of the placenta but is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Chinese researchers tested various doses and preparations made from Angelica sinensis on seven groups of anemic rats. One group of rats was given an iron supplement medication. The rats had been fed a low iron diet and were subject to small amounts of regular bloodletting. All the rats were restored to near normal levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell counts, however researchers stated that treatment with angelica yielded superior results compared to the medication. The findings were published in the December 2007 issue of "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine."
References
- "Public Health Nutrition"; Leaf Concentrate as an Alternative to Iron and Folic Acid Supplements for Anaemic Adolescent Girls: a Randomised Controlled Trial in India, Vyas S., et al., March 2010, 13(3)
- "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition"; Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Supplementation Reduces the Risk of Anemia, Proteinuria and Edema in Pregnant Women, Nakano S., et. al., March 2010, 65(1)
- "Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine"; Effect of Angelica sinensis Polysaccharide-Iron Complex on Iron Deficiency Anemia in Rats, Wang P.P., et. al., December 2007, 13(4)
