ANEMIA PREVENTION

Inherited anemias cannot be prevented. Genetic counseling can help parents cope with questions and concerns about transmitting disease-causing genes to their children.

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol, eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of iron-rich foods, and taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent anemia.

Methods of preventing specific types of anemia include:

• avoiding lengthy exposure to industrial chemicals and drugs known to cause aplastic anemia
• not taking medication that has triggered hemolytic anemia and not eating foods that have caused hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
• receiving regular B₁₂ shots to prevent pernicious anemia resulting from gastritis or stomach surgery