Anemia is a disorder of the red blood cells that can cause dizziness and weakness. The many causes of anemia include vitamin B-12 deficiency and iron deficiency, but they are unrelated. Both types of anemia, however, can be helped by dietary changes.
When your red blood cells are unhealthy, a diagnosis of anemia is made. Red blood cells and the protein hemoglobin work together to carry oxygen through the blood. When this system is impaired, the body receives less than optimal oxygenated blood and symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, fast heartbeat and irritability. Anemia can occur from a lack of vitamins required for healthy red blood cell production, a lack of iron necessary for hemoglobin production or other causes such as genetic disorders or chronic diseases.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin B-6 and vitamin C all contribute to red blood cell production. Vitamin deficiency anemia most often occurs from a lack of vitamin B-12 and folic acid in the diet. Elderly people and pregnant women are most often at risk for vitamin deficiency anemia. Sometimes along with the other symptoms of anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia can cause the tongue to have a bright red and smooth appearance.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
A lack of iron in your system can lead to the most common cause of anemia -- iron deficiency anemia. Iron is required to make hemoglobin, the protein associated with red blood cells, helping to carry oxygen through the system. Causes include a lack of iron in the diet, an inability to properly absorb iron, pregnancy and blood loss from heavy menstruation.
Diet
If you've been diagnosed with anemia, you can add more vitamin B-12 and iron to your system through food, supplements or injections. If you don't have anemia, it's best, however, to prevent it in the first place by eating a balanced diet containing these important nutrients. Vitamin B-12 is found in foods such as meat and dairy products and fortified cereals. Iron is similarly found in meat products as well as vegetables, fortified cereals, legumes and nuts. Meat products, particularly, organ parts are particularly good sources of both vitamin B-12 and iron. Just 3 oz. of beef liver contains 5.24 mg of iron and 70.6 mcg of vitamin B-12. Because vitamin B-12 and folic acid are often linked, adding folic acid by eating citrus fruits, bananas and green, leafy vegetables can also help prevent vitamin deficiency anemia.
