Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body. Anemia is caused by excessive blood loss; deficiency in iron, folic acid or vitamin B-12; kidney failure; poor diet; pregnancy; chronic diseases such as cancer; and the use of certain medications, according to PubMedHealth. Vitamin K may help prevent anemia by preventing excessive bleeding.
Causes of Anemia
One of the major causes of anemia is blood loss due to bleeding ulcer, colon cancer, surgery and severe injuries, according to PubMedHealth. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is needed by the bone marrow to make healthy red blood cells. Deficiency in iron leads to iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin K prevents excessive blood loss by facilitating the clotting of blood.
Sources of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is naturally found in foods such as kale, spinach, cabbage, asparagus, dark green lettuce, broccoli, turnip greens, mustard greens and beef liver. Most dark green vegetables contain high amounts of the vitamin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Man-made vitamin K tablets and injections are available to treat severe blood-clotting disorders. Patients taking anticoagulant medication such as Coumadin and Heparin should avoid vitamin K supplements and Vitamin K-rich foods.
Anemia Symptoms
Patients with anemia experience symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, cold hands and feet, weakness, headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm, confusion, problems concentrating, brittle hair and craving for non-food items, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Symptoms of anemia develop due to decreased oxygenation of tissues and body organs such as the heart and brain.
Anemia Treatment
Anemia is treated with iron supplements and folic acid and vitamin B-12 supplements. Patients with anemia are advised to consume foods rich in iron, folic acid and B-12. Sources of iron include beef kidney and liver, chicken liver, poultry, fish, shellfish, beans, prunes, raisins and apricots. Folic acid is found in dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens. B-12 naturally occurs in animal foods such as red meat, milk, fish and eggs. Fortified breads and cereals also contain iron, folic acid and B-12.
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