What are the best supplements for b12 deficiency and low iron levels

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Low Vitamin B12 and low iron levels are causes of Anemia. Anaemia is when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry the oxygen you need around your body. 

When anemia first develops, symptoms can be loss of appetite, constipation, headaches, irritability and difficulty concentrating. As anemia becomes more serious, symptoms can extend to weakness, fatigue, coldness in the extremities, depression, pale and brittle nails, pale lips and eyelids, soreness in the mouth and menstruation can cease for women. 

Anemia should always be investigated by your Health Professional to determine the cause as it can be a symptom of other health concerns. Certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, arthritis, chronic inflammation, diverticular disease, liver damage, thyroid diseases, infection and major illnesses can lead to anemia. 

Low Vitamin B12 & Low Iron

Pernicious anemia is due to vitamin B12 deficiency and an inability to absorb any form of vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. It’s also important to mention that Vegetarian and Vegan diets can be high in foods containing folic acid which in high amounts can mask the signs of B12 deficiency. Low Iron related anemia is very treatable with a change of diet and iron supplements. Low iron levels may be caused by insufficient iron intake and/or absorption, significant blood loss, intrauterine contraceptive devices and overuse of anti-inflammatory medication due to gut irritation. 

Solution: Dietary deficiencies of Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 should be optimised as a baseline level support.

Iron is available on prescription from your doctor, though some individuals can experience unpleasant digestive effects and become non-compliant with their medication. However, there are other iron sources available that may cause less intestinal issues.

‘Iron Restore’ by BePure

The iron bisglycinate is highly bioavailable and gentle on the gut. Helping to boost depleted iron levels and increase energy, Iron Restore is a synergistic formula containing baseline nutrients as well as some Vitamin C for optimal absorption. This is an excellent formula for managing dietary related iron deficiency.

‘Spatone’ Liquid Iron Supplement

Another form of iron which is a naturally occurring iron-rich mineral water. This formulation is gentle on the digestive tract and is another great option for everyone over the age of two, including pregnant and post-natal women. It would be a sensible idea to combine this product with a Comprehensive B Vitamin Complex for synergistic effects.

‘Clinicians Vitamin B12 Oral Drops’

In terms of Vitamin B12 support, this can be obtained by an injection or there are sublingual forms available. Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin (an active form of B12) are commonly used at 1000mcg. Methylcobalamin can be administered via drops or ‘nuggets’ dissolved under the tongue/cheek.

Lifestyle choices to optimise your B12 and iron levels:

• Do not take therapeutic iron dosages unless anemia is diagnosed.
• Follow up with blood tests to ensure optimum levels of iron supplementation.
• Green tea, coffee, black tea and foods high in oxalic acid (almonds, kale, spinach, some nuts and beans) can interfere with iron absorption.
• Avoid taking therapeutic dosages of Calcium, Vitamin E, Zinc or antacid drugs at the same time of the day as iron supplements as they can interfere with iron absorption.
• Ensure to include iron rich foods into your diet such as: Kidney Beans, liver, blackstrap molasses, lentils, lean meats, cooked spinach and peas.

Suggestions for Children with B12 and iron deficiency:

• 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses in a glass of milk or formula twice a day. Molasses is a good source of iron and essential B vitamins. Just be sure not to give it right before bed due to energising benefits of B vitamins.
• Floradix liquid Iron. Contains a readily absorbable form of iron with a nutritive food and herbal based formula.
• Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement. Mixed in with a little bit of juice can taste great for children.
• Brewer’s yeast. Rich in nutrients and a good source of B vitamins.

You can order these supplements in our online store below, or come have a chat with us in store first to see if these solutions are right for you.