Most anemia associated with nutritional deficiency can be prevented by the following measures.

• Eat a diet that contains enough fer, vitamin B12 and D’folic acid. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those who have heavy periods and people whose diets contain little or no animal products should pay special attention. The body can store folic acid for 3 to 4 months, while vitamin B12 stores can last from 4 to 5 years. Regarding iron: a 70 kg man has reserves for about 4 years; and a 55 kg woman, for about 6 months.

  – Main natural sources of iron : red meat, poultry, fish and clams.

  – Main natural sources of vitamin B12 : animal products and fish.

  – Main natural sources of folate (folic acid in its natural form): organ meats, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, asparagus, etc.) and legumes.

  To know the list of best food sources iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, see our fact sheets.

   

  For more details, see the advice of nutritionist Hélène Baribeau in the Special Diet: Anemia.

• For women which foresee a pregnancy, in order to prevent spina bifida in the fetus, it is recommended that you start takingfolic acid (400 µg of folic acid per day with food) at least 1 month before conception and continue during the first months of pregnancy.

   

  Moreover, since the contraceptive pill depletes folic acid, any woman who decides to have a child should stop contraception at least 6 months before conception so that the fetus can get enough folic acid during the early stages of its development.

Other preventive measures

• If one suffers from chronic disease which can cause anemia, it is important to have adequate medical attention and to have blood tests occasionally. Discuss it with his doctor.
• Take all necessary precautions if you have to handle toxic products.