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Anemia is a condition that is all too common in the world.^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^5, ^6, ^7, ⁸ Many individuals, who are vegan or vegetarian, end up with some form of anemia. Whether this is due to lack of iron, vitamin B12, or other deficiencies – the end result is roughly the same.^, ^10, ^11, ^12, ^13, ¹⁴ Because a Paleo Diet is rich in vitamin B12 and iron, it begs the question - can we ward off anemia with the Paleo Diet?

Muñoz, Manuel et al. “Perioperative Anemia Management in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Pragmatic Approach.” World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG 20.8 (2014): 1972–1985. PMC. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

The short answer: Yes. The longer (and more complex) answer: Usually. Between the complexity and poor understanding of the condition, the different, and the sometimes hereditary nature,^15, ^16, ^17, ^18, ^19, ^20, ²¹ this is a condition which is quite complex.

Board, A.D.A.M. Editorial. Iron Deficiency Anemia. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

To start, there are variable definitions of anemia, but the most widely accepted is ‘a condition where the number of red blood cells in the blood is below normal’.²² This is the main definition upon which we will focus. Red blood cell production can be low, and oftentimes, this is due to dietary requirements not being met.^23, ^24, ^25, ²⁶ However, intervening with improved nutrition can prove beneficial.

Iron deficiency is the main statistical cause of anemia, and incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet is a great way to improve your anemic condition^27, ²⁸ Iron-rich foods include: chicken, turkey, fish, meats (liver is the highest source), spinach, and kale.²⁹ Those well-accustomed to the Paleo Diet will note that these foods form the basis of many Paleo recipes.^30, ³¹ This is not an accident, as the Paleo Diet will provide the most nutrients, and give the best physiologic results, out of any approach to eating. ³²
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Iolascon, Achille, Luigia De Falco, and Carole Beaumont. “Molecular Basis of Inherited Microcytic Anemia Due to Defects in Iron Acquisition or Heme Synthesis.” Haematologica 94.3 (2009): 395–408. PMC. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

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Abbaspour “Review on Iron and Its Importance for Human Health.” Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

The amount of iron required for daily renewal of red blood cells (20-30 mg) is provided mostly by senescent erythrocyte iron recycling at macrophages.^33, ³⁴ This small required amount is usually why supplementing with iron is a poor idea, especially with the relative ease at which it is possible to intervene by dietary means.

Besides iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to anemia.³⁵ Meat, eggs, fish, and shellfish are also great sources for vitamin B12.³⁶ A diet devoid of these foods directly correlates to the growing number of vegetarian and vegan anemics.

Herrmann, Wolfgang, and Rima Obeid. “Causes and Early Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Deficiency.” Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 105.40 (2008): 680–685. PMC. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

Kassebaum, Nicholas J. et al. “A Systematic Analysis of Global Anemia Burden from 1990 to 2010.” Blood 123.5 (2014): 615–624. PMC. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

From the figure to the right, we see anemia has declined since 1990.³⁷ Public awareness of the condition has gone up, as well as advancements in the supplement industry’s budget. These factors have helped some become more aware of this debilitating condition.

Age relation with respect to anemia is also interesting, as it seems to play a more significant role than one might suspect. We see that as adults move into their thirties and forties, their risk of anemia goes up. Neglecting diet, when one is focused mainly on career advancement and other pressures that cause high stress, are potentially related.

Yet, while cases of anemia have declined since the ‘90s, the global implications for anemia are surprisingly higher than one might suspect.^38, ^39, ⁴⁰ Anemia is still responsible for 68.3 million years of life lived with disability.

While it is near impossible to calculate anemia’s exact effects, with more than 20 diseases linked to its development, you can take preventative measures to meet iron and vitamin B12 dietary requirements. The best course of action is following a delicious and nutritious Paleo Diet and start cooking delicious Paleo recipes, which are available in The Paleo Diet Recipe Library!

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Kassebaum, Nicholas J. et al. “A Systematic Analysis of Global Anemia Burden from 1990 to 2010.” Blood 123.5 (2014): 615–624. PMC. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

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Kassebaum, Nicholas J. et al. “A Systematic Analysis of Global Anemia Burden from 1990 to 2010.” Blood 123.5 (2014): 615–624. PMC. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

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