Polycythemia vera is a condition where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 95 percent of polycythemia sufferers have a mutation in the JAK2V617F gene. Treatments include phlebotomy and medication to reduce the number of red blood cells in the body. Your doctor may also prescribe low-dose aspirin to thin your blood, preventing blood clots. While adding prenatal vitamins to your daily regime is not a substitute for medication and a balanced diet, the addition of vitamins and supplements may boost your immune system.
Step 1
Consult with your health provider regarding the benefits of using iron-free prenatal vitamins while under treatment for polycythemia.
Step 2
Take an iron-free prenatal vitamin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3
Add a calcium supplement to your diet. Depending on the manufacturer's formulation, prenatal vitamins provide only 200 to 600 mg of calcium daily. Generally, your body requires 1,000 mg of calcium daily if you are between the ages of 19 and 50 and 1,200 mg daily after age 51.
Step 4
Add other supplements such as coenzyme Q10, n-acetyl cysteine and omega-3 fatty acids to boost your immune system.
Step 5
Add sweet acidophilus milk, live-culture yogurt or a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus to your diet to boost your immune and digestive systems.
Tips and Warnings
- Phlebotomy is the removal of blood from the body; it is similar to donating blood. Take prenatal vitamins with food to avoid stomach upset. Prenatal vitamins are part of a well-rounded diet. Follow your dietitian's instructions, especially if you have dietary restrictions due to other medical conditions. Try a different manufacturer or formulation if the prenatal vitamins upset your stomach. Follow a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and drinking eight glasses of water daily. Stop smoking.
- Iron promotes the growth of red blood cells; avoid iron and iron supplements. Prenatal vitamins generally contain up to 125 percent of the daily requirement of folic acid. Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding folic acid dosages. Do not substitute iron-free prenatal vitamins for medications prescribed by your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Iron-free prenatal vitamins
- Calcium supplement
- Coenzyme Q10 supplement
- N-acetyl cysteine supplement
- Omega-3 supplement
- Lactobacillus acidophilus products
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; August 2009
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Polycythemia Vera
- Mayo Clinic; Lifestyle and Home Remedies; Mayo Clinic Staff; April 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Nutrition and Healthy Eating; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; August 2009
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