Over 3 million people in the U.S. have anemia, according to WomensHealth.gov. Anemia is a condition that arises when your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells or when there aren't adequate red blood cells in your hemoglobin. Vitamin B-12 or iron-deficiency anemia can be corrected through the use of supplements and certain medications. In mild cases, your physician may require you to make some dietary modifications to increase these levels. You may increase your intake of vitamin B-12 and iron through eating or drinking the food sources.
High-iron Juices
If you have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, you may be recommended to take iron tablets and to consume foods that contain high amounts of iron. Foods such as apricots and prunes are good sources of iron and can be pureed and stirred into a smoothie or juiced as a way to increase iron. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale also contain the mineral iron. You can juice these vegetables instead of eating them as a way to get a quick dose of iron on the go.
Vitamin C Juices
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant used to boost the immune system and prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Vitamin C is also used to increase the absorption of iron into the bloodstream. Fruit juices such as apple juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, mango juice and grape juice contain 100 percent of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Look for juice that reads "unsweetened" or "no added sugar" on the label. In addition, you can make a smoothie that contains both iron and vitamin C sources.
B-Complex Drink Sources
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia. When levels of B-12 are low, your body cannot produce the correct amount of red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is often a result of an inability to absorb B-12 due to an autoimmune disorder; however, it may also develop from not eating enough vitamin B-12 food sources. Your physician may recommend you take a B-12 shot or B-12 supplements. In addition, you can drink or eat vitamin B-12 food sources. Fortified breakfast cereals contain at least 25 percent or more vitamin B-12, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. You can add this cereal to a smoothie or purchase B-12 powder or B-complex powder and add it to your smoothie or juice.
Drinks to Avoid
Don't drink coffee or tea with your meals, as they may inhibit the absorption of iron. In addition, calcium may also inhibit your iron intake. If you are making a smoothie that contains iron-rich food sources, eliminate the use of milk-based dairy and instead use soy or rice milk.
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