Hi, Clelia.

Please see this website:
http://www.bu.edu/cohis/cardvasc/blood/anemcaus.htm

In many cases, anemia is due not to an iron-deficient diet, but to a
deficiency of the factors needed to assimilate it, vitamin B-12 or folic
acid.  If you regularly eat red meat, it's unlikely that your diet is
deficient in iron or B-12.  If you eat dark, leafy greens 2 or 3 times a
week, you're probably getting enough folic acid.

Your doctor can test your ability to absorb B-12, as described at the
website.  If your absorption rate is low, s/he will have to give you B-12
injections.  After a series of injections, you may be able to begin to
assimilate enough of it on your own.  That was true for my wife, 15 years
ago; she's had no problem since then.

Norm

----- Original Message -----
From: Clelia <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2000 2:56 PM
Subject: [P-F] Anemia


> Last week I had some blood work done, and my GP told me that I am anaemic.
> My Hemoglobin level is at 100; the Ferritin is at 8.  Could someone please
> tell me ways to help my body absorb more iron; also which foods should I
be
> eating more of?  What are the dangers in having low Hemoglobin all the
time?
> The first question he asked me was:  If my monthly period were heavy.  He
> was surprised to hear me say that I would loss more blood in a nose bleed
> that during my period.  He can't seem to find out why my Hemoglobin is
> always on the low reading.
>
> Thanks to all,
> Clelia
>