Several nutrients are required to produce red blood cells in your body, including iron, vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin C and erythropoietin. A decrease in red blood cells, referred to as anemia, occurs with excessive bleeding, red blood cell destruction or diminished red blood cell production. A blood test, a complete blood count, measures the severity of anemia by analyzing blood cell components. Diagnosing the cause of anemia determines the appropriate treatment choices.
Anemias
Anemias include disorders, diseases or conditions in which red blood cells or the quantity of hemoglobin is less than normal. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen through the bloodstream to the body. Treatment for anemia includes medications, procedures and dietary alterations. The object of treatment is to boost the quantity of oxygen in the blood by increasing bone marrow production of red blood cells and hemoglobin and treating the underlying cause of anemia.
Vitamins and Minerals
Decreased quantities of vitamins or iron can cause anemia, especially vitamin B-12, folic acid and vitamin C. B-12 and folic acid are necessary for producing and maintaining new red blood cells. Vitamin C is necessary for absorption of iron, which aids the formation of hemoglobin. B-12, folic acid and vitamin C are found in fortified grains, red meats, dark green leafy vegetables and fruits but might require vitamin supplements if deficiency is significant. Iron, also available in red meats and vegetables, might require supplementation under a doctor's supervision, since large quantities can be harmful.
Medications and Surgery
Medications to treat anemia can include antibiotics for infections, hormones to regulate excessive menstrual bleeding and drugs to alter the destruction of red blood cells by the immune system. Surgical procedures can include repair of bleeding stomach ulcers and cancerous tumor removal. The spleen is responsible for removing old red blood cells. However, if it is diseased or enlarged, it can remove more blood cells than usual and cause anemia, requiring its removal.
Blood Transfusions
The use of blood transfusions is dependent upon the reason blood components are needed. Reasons can include trauma, chronic illnesses, surgery and anemias. Blood transfusions increase the quantity of red blood cells and hemoglobin, improve the blood's ability to carry oxygen and help control bleeding and blood pressure. The most common form of transfusion is packed red blood cells. Screening procedures are used to determine the exact type of blood for the recipient before transfusion.
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys and liver, works on the stem cells in bone marrow to enhance red blood cell production. Erythropoietin secretion is regulated by a response to decreased red blood cell volume and a diminished amount of oxygen in the blood. Man-made erythropoietin, called epoetin alfa, can be used to replace low levels in individuals with kidney failure or as a result of chemotherapy.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Anemia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anemia - Treatment
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Blood Transfusions: What You Need To Know
- Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford: Blood Transfusions
- America's Blood Centers: Knowing Your Options
- MedlinePlus: Erythropoietin Test
