Anemia is a widespread problem that affects millions of people in the United States each year. It is a deficiency in red blood cells. Red blood cells have a protein called hemoglobin. It is hemoglobin that transports oxygen through the body. With severe cases of anemia, the lack of healthy red blood cells can be so significant that the body will suffer from a lack of oxygen. In the most severe cases, if left untreated, anemia can cause death.

Several types of anemia are vitamin deficient anemia and here is a list of the most common types:

1. Vitamin B12 anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficient anemia affects about 200,000 people in the United States each year. Other names for this anemia are pernicious anemia or Addison’s anemia. The body uses vitamin B12 for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Symptoms of this anemia include weakness, a smooth tongue, vision loss, and tingling feet. Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include a lack of intrinsic factor or surgery to remove part of the small intestine. To get enough vitamin B12 in your diet eat milk, eggs, and meat. Supplements often treat this anemia.

2. Iron deficient anemia.
Iron deficient anemia is the most common type of anemia. There are over 3 million cases of iron deficiency in the United States each year. The body uses iron to help make hemoglobin and to support healthy cells, hair, nails, and skin. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and pallor. Blood loss often causes this anemia. To help prevent this anemia eat foods high in iron including red meats, fish, poultry, spinach, and broccoli.

3. Vitamin C deficient anemia.
Vitamin C deficiency is another type of vitamin related anemia. This anemia is rare. There are less than 20,000 cases of vitamin C anemia in the United States each year. Severe cases develop into scurvy. The body uses vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues. It is important for healthy skin, tendons, and blood vessels. Symptoms of this anemia include damaged hair and skin, slowly healing wounds, and bleeding gums. The cause of this anemia is severe malnutrition. To prevent low vitamin C, eat foods rich in vitamin C such as vegetables and fruits. Citrus fruits are a popular food high in vitamin C.

4. Folate deficient anemia.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is another important vitamin that can cause anemia. About 200,000 people have this anemia each year in the United States. The body uses folate in the division of cells and to help make DNA. Symptoms of this anemia include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and irritability. Common causes of folate deficiency are not eating enough folate rich foods, alcoholism, and certain types of medications. Foods high in folate include leafy greens, broccoli, and eggs.