A low red blood count can cause feelings of fatigue and weakness. When a person has a low red blood count and low hemoglobin levels, their body has to work harder to get enough oxygen to other cells. Show When a person does not have enough functioning red blood cells (RBCs), they have anemia. A low RBC count can cause a variety of symptoms and health complications. There are several diet and lifestyle changes people can make to help the body increase its RBC count. However, if symptoms continue, it is important to contact a doctor. In this article, we look at dietary and lifestyle changes that support RBC production, as well as give an overview of how to understand RBC count and recognize the symptoms of low levels.
RBCs are the most common component of human blood. The cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen around the body. Hemoglobin is also responsible for blood’s red color. Having a low RBC count can cause symptoms that may include:
Anemia can lead to serious complications that may be life threatening without treatment. Several conditions can cause a person to have a low RBC count. These include: Malnutrition can also cause a person to have a low RBC count. The bone marrow continuously produces RBCs. If the body does not receive a regular supply of necessary nutrients, the RBCs may become malformed or die off faster than the body can replace them. Who may have a low RBC count?Anyone can develop anemia. However, certain people may be at a higher risk of developing the condition, including:
Heavy periods can cause iron deficiency anemia due to increased blood loss, but iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is usually the result of a deficiency of iron in the diet. Anemia is also common in young children. This is also often due to a lack of iron in their diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, 42% of children under the age of 5 years old are anemic. Older adults may also be more likely to have a low RBC count due to malnutrition. People following restrictive diets as a means for weight loss are also at risk of having a low RBC count. This is common in young females. A low RBC count usually occurs when a person does not eat enough essential nutrients. Eating more nutrient-dense foods can give the body the necessary tools to create functional RBCs. People can also take these essential vitamins and minerals as supplements, although it is best to get nutrients from foods in the diet if possible. It is best to consume foods that provide the following nutrients: IronIron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which stores oxygen in the blood cells. Without iron, these cells may die or become unable to send oxygen around the body. Eating foods with plenty of iron can help prevent symptoms of anemia and nourish the blood. Good sources of iron include: Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is important for brain function and creating new RBCs. Low vitamin B12 levels can prevent RBCs from fully maturing. A B12 deficiency can trigger the development of abnormal RBCs called megaloblasts, which may lead to a condition doctors call megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B12 binds to protein in food and naturally occurs in red meat, fish, and shellfish. Dairy products such as milk and cheese also contain vitamin B12. Manufacturers often fortify breakfast cereals, milk substitutes, and nutritional yeast with vitamin B12. Eating these foods can supplement a person’s daily intake, particularly if they do not eat meat or dairy. Vitamin B9Vitamin B9 is also known as folic acid, or folate. It is an essential nutrient for the nervous system. Folate also helps to create new cells in the body. People with low levels of folate may develop anemia. Foods high in folic acid include:
Vitamin CWhile vitamin C does not directly affect RBCs, it is still important because it helps the body absorb more iron. Iron increases the body’s ability to make RBCs. Vitamin C occurs in a variety of foods, including: Discover 20 foods high in vitamin C here. CopperCopper is an essential mineral that helps the body use iron in the blood. If someone is deficient in copper, their body may have difficulties utilizing iron for functioning, and they may develop an imbalance of the level of iron in the body. The following foods are good sources of copper: Vitamin ARetinol, also called vitamin A, appears to support a person’s RBC count by working with iron. Vitamin A may help the body to better utilize iron by helping it move into hemoglobin within RBCs. Foods that can supply vitamin A include: Making simple lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on a person’s RBC count. Reducing alcohol consumptionIt may be helpful to eliminate or reduce drinks containing alcohol from the diet, as drinking too much alcohol may lower a person’s RBC count. According to dietary guidelines in the United States, moderate drinking for adult males is two or fewer alcoholic drinks a day. For adult females, moderate drinking is one or fewer alcoholic drinks a day. ExercisingModerate exercise can provide benefits for any person who practices it. However, it is especially important for creating healthy RBCs. Sustained vigorous exercise that raises the heart rate increases the body and brain’s need for oxygen. This is why the heart beats faster, and the lungs breathe deeper and quicker. This need for oxygen stimulates the body to produce more hemoglobin. Regular exercise alongside a balanced, nutritious diet means the bone marrow has the best tools to create those cells. Possible workouts include:
However, even taking the stairs instead of an elevator, going for a walk, or doing some gardening can count toward a daily or weekly exercise requirement. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends engaging in 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity each week. Doctors measure RBC counts in terms of cells per microliter (µL) of blood. Average ranges include: These ranges can vary between individuals and may change depending on the lab performing the tests. If a person has an RBC count outside these ranges, they may be at risk of health complications. A low RBC count can be dangerous. However, several disorders can cause an RBC count to be higher than expected. The medical terms for this are polycythemia or erythrocytosis. Causes of a high RBC include:
In some people, dietary and lifestyle changes will not be enough to manage RBC levels. A doctor may prescribe certain medications to stimulate the production of RBCs. They may recommend hormone treatment to people with anemia due to cancer, kidney disease, or any other disorder that may have caused a hormonal malfunction. If tests show that the person’s low RBC count is due to a different cause, doctors will attempt to treat the underlying condition. Treatment may help the RBC count improve on its own. Diet and lifestyle choices can also support specific treatments. A doctor may rarely recommend a red blood cell transfusion if RBC levels do not respond to medications and lifestyle changes. A low RBC count, also known as anemia, can affect the body’s ability to transport oxygen and nutrients around the cardiovascular system. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations. The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. This can result from blood loss, malnutrition, or kidney problems. Children, pregnant people, and older adults are at the most risk of iron deficiency anemia. High or low RBC levels can lead to severe health complications. A person may be able to manage their RBC levels through diet, exercise, and in some cases, prescription medication.
Vitamin deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when you have low levels of vitamin B12 or B9 (folate). In this type of anemia, your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells. You’re more likely to develop this condition if you have a disorder that makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients.
Vitamin deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells. It happens primarily when you have low levels of vitamin B12 or B9 (folate or folic acid). Instead of producing healthy red blood cells, your body may produce irregularly large red blood cells. These cells can’t carry oxygen throughout your body the way they should. Because the red blood cells are abnormally large, another name for vitamin deficiency anemia is macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia. How do vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency cause anemia?Both vitamins are crucial in many processes in your body, including making red blood cells. Without enough B12 or folic acid, your body doesn’t make normal red blood cells and those cells die more quickly than normal cells so they can’t carry oxygen to all of your body tissues. This lack of normal red blood cells is anemia. Who is more likely to get vitamin deficiency anemia?You may develop vitamin deficiency anemia if you don’t consume enough foods with vitamins B12 or folate. Or you may have a condition that makes it hard for your body to process these nutrients, such as:
Vitamin deficiency anemia symptoms may be mild or subtle. You may notice them gradually worsen over several months or years. You may experience: Vitamin deficiency can also cause depression, and in severe cases, vitamin B12 deficiency may cause confusion, forgetfulness or even personality changes. In older people, this can sometimes be mistaken for dementia. What causes vitamin deficiency anemia?Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when you have low vitamin B12 or folate levels. Causes of vitamin deficiency anemia may include:
You are also at a higher risk of a folate deficiency if you are:
Your healthcare provider can use blood tests to diagnose vitamin deficiency anemia. This blood test may evaluate:
Your healthcare provider may request additional tests if they suspect pernicious anemia.
Treatment for vitamin deficiency anemia aims to increase your levels of the vitamin you’re lacking. Your provider will determine the best dosage and type of treatment. There are a variety of vitamin B12 or folate supplements, including:
You continue treatment until your vitamin levels increase — changing your diet can also often help a lot. If you have an underlying health condition that led to vitamin deficiency anemia, you will need to continue treatment long-term to prevent a deficiency from returning.
You can lower your risk of vitamin deficiency anemia by eating foods rich in vitamins B12 and B9. Foods high in B12 include:
Foods high in B9 (folate) include:
Your healthcare provider can guide you on how much vitamin B12 and B9 you need. They can also measure your current vitamin levels to check for deficiencies. If needed, your provider may prescribe a supplement.
Most people don’t have long-term complications from vitamin deficiency anemia. With treatment, the condition often goes away. But it’s important to get treatment for vitamin deficiency anemia. Without treatment, vitamin deficiency anemia could lead to:
If you have suspected vitamin deficiency anemia, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
And if your healthcare provider has already diagnosed you with vitamin deficiency anemia, you may ask:
Vitamin E deficiency can lead to anemia hemolytic anemia in infants, particularly if they are born premature. This is a severe type of anemia in which red blood cells break down faster than your body can produce them. Vitamin E deficiency is uncommon in adults. Does vitamin D deficiency cause anemia?Vitamin D deficiency may occur in combination with anemia, but it usually doesn’t directly cause it. A note from Cleveland Clinic Vitamin deficiency anemia is when your body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells. It commonly develops because of a deficiency in vitamins B12 or B9. You have a higher risk of developing vitamin deficiency anemia if you have a diet that could be better, or if you have a condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb certain nutrients. Treatment for this type of anemia focuses on restoring your B12 or B9 levels. You may take supplements by mouth, injection or through an IV.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/22/2022. References
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy |
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