If I Have Anemia, Should I Take Folic Acid or Iron Supplements?

Unless recommended by a doctor, if you have anemia, you should not take folic acid tablets or iron supplements indiscriminately. Anemia can be caused by various factors, with iron and folic acid deficiencies being two common causes. To properly address your anemia, it is essential to understand the underlying cause.

Understanding Anemia and Its Causes

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lower than normal number of red blood cells or an abnormally low concentration of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There are various types of anemia, but two of the most common are iron deficiency anemia and macrocytic anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, resulting in the production of smaller red blood cells. On the other hand, macrocytic anemia is caused by a deficiency in either vitamin B12 or folate, and is characterized by fewer larger red blood cells.

Folic Acid and Its Role in Hemoglobin Production

A diet rich in folic acid can help prevent deficiency. If you are diagnosed with low hemoglobin due to a folic acid deficiency, the treatment typically involves folic acid supplementation and dietary changes. However, if you have a condition that prevents the absorption of folic acid, you should consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Referencing a quiz on folic acid and hemoglobin levels in an 80-year-old woman, a primary care nurse practitioner should suspect the patient will need a folic acid supplement. This is because despite a high iron diet, the patient's low hemoglobin levels might indicate a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is critical for the production of the DNA that is needed to make red blood cells.

Risk of Misdiagnosis and the Importance of Medical Advice

An important point to note is that taking extra folic acid in a situation of B12 deficiency can lead to neurological damage. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that both B12 and folate are properly measured in cases of megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by a deficiency in either of these vitamins. Both B12 and folate are necessary for the normal production of red blood cells. In cases of iron deficiency anemia, neither B12 nor folate supplements will be beneficial, and iron supplements are required instead.

In the case of Barbra Dozier's blog, she describes a patient with anemia. The patient's anemia is indicative of an inability of the body to produce enough hemoglobin, leading to a reduced number of circulating red blood cells and, as a result, lower oxygen availability in the blood.

Conclusion and Final Recommendation

In summary, while anemia can be caused by iron and folic acid deficiencies, it is crucial to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause before deciding on a course of treatment. Iron supplements are necessary for iron deficiency anemia, whereas folic acid supplements are needed for folic acid deficiency. Both conditions can be treated effectively, but inappropriate treatment can lead to further health complications. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment of anemia.