KELLIAN HUNTE

HW499-BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS

UNIT 4 ASSIGNMENT
PROFESSOR HENNINGSEN
As the name implies iron-deficiency anemia occurs
when the body lacks iron. This is a common type of
anemia that occurs when the blood does not have
enough healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen to
the body’s tissues. “ According to the World Health
Organization guideline, IDA affects 30% of the
world’s population, indicating that it is a problem
requiring attention” ( Li et al, 2020). Not having
enough iron may result in constant chills, fatigue,
pale skin, weakness, headache, chest pain, and many
other symptoms. This type of anemia can be caused
by many things such as blood loss, problems with the
absorption of iron, and kidney disease to name a few.
Iron-deficiency anemia is usually corrected with iron
supplements, but sometimes additional treatment and
testing may be necessary if there are complications.
You do not have to take a pill to get iron, it is found in
red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green
leafy vegetables, dried fruit, peas, and other sources. IMAGE BY: HEALTHSCOPE MAG, N.D
- IRON
- VITAMIN C
- VITAMIN B12
- FOLATE
- DANDELION LEAF/ ROOT
- NETTLE LEAF

Image Credit: Lisovskaya/iStock/GettyImages, LIVESTRONG

“ Iron is an essential component of
hemoglobin, an erythrocyte (red blood cell)
protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to
the tissues. As a component of myoglobin,
another protein that provides oxygen, iron
supports muscle metabolism and healthy
connective tissue” ( NIH, 2022).
“ Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an
essential role in red blood cell formation,
cell metabolism, nerve function and the
production of DNA, the molecules inside
cells that carry genetic information” (
MayoClinic, 2021).

IMAGE BY photka / iStock / Getty Images, verywellhealth

“ Folate (vitamin B-9) is important in red blood cell
formation and for healthy cell growth and function.
The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to
reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine” (
MayoClinic, 2021).
Vitamin C is very essential in the absorption of
iron. It creates that acidic environment to
allow absorption.
Dandelion root ( Taraxacum Officinale)- is “ a
very common weed, found in meadows, lawns,
and roadside, but is one of the Herbalist’s most
treasured herbs. Dandelion is an extremely
nutrient-dense herb. It is rich in vitamins and
minerals. It is also high in protein and choline
– an essential nutrient that helps keep your cell
membranes in tip-top shape” ( Glucina, 2019).
It is a good source of iron.

IMAGE BY: CLEVELANDCLINIC, 2021

“Because nettles contain numerous important vitamins
and minerals, consuming nettle tea may help people
get more of them. Its iron content may help people
who are prone to anemia and other nutritional
deficiencies” ( Dresden, 2021).
Ikopylov. ( n.d). Movie ending screen. https://pin.it/2MyjXok

NIH. ( April 5, 2022). Iron. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-

HealthProfessional/#:~:text=Iron%20is%20a%20mineral%20that,to%20the%20tissues%20%5B1%5D.

Li, N., Zhao, G., Wu, W., Zhang, M., Liu, W., Chen, Q., & Wang, X. (2020). The Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin C for Iron
Supplementation in Adult Patients With Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA network open, 3(11),
e2023644. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.23644

Mayo Clinic Staff. ( July 17, 2021). Vitamin B-12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663

Mayo Clinic Staff. ( February 23, 2021). Folate (folic acid). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-folate/art-20364625

Glucina. L. ( Nov 30, 2019). 3 Iron-rich Herbs. https://ascensionkitchen.com/3-iron-rich-herbs/

Dresden. D. ( 2021). What are the benefits of nettle tea? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nettle-tea-benefits

Stines. Y. ( 2021). What Is Vitamin B12? https://www.verywellhealth.com/vitamin-b12-5083479

Cleveland clinic. ( 2021). Can You Eat Dandelions? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-health-benefits/

Raman. R. ( 2018). 6 Evidence-Based Benefits of Stinging Nettle. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle

Whitbread. D. ( 2022). Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin C. https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/vitamin-c-foods.php

Momaya. A. ( 2021). Iron Rich Foods: 8 Foods to Add to Your Diet. https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/iron-rich-foods-add-to-diet/

Miller. A. ( n.d). Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment of “Tired Blood”. https://healthscopemag.com/health-scope/iron-deficiency-

anemia/

Bratskeir. K. ( 2022). 4 Fast Ways to Increase Your Iron Levels. https://www.livestrong.com/article/556116-fast-ways-of-getting-

iron-in-the-blood/

Whitbread. D. ( 2022). Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin B9 (Folate). https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/foods-high-in-folate-

vitamin-B9.php