Anemia

Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are the most common nutritional causes of anemia.² Although rare, severe deficiencies of several other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A,^3,4vitamin B2,⁵vitamin B6,^6,7vitamin C,⁸ and copper,^9,10 can also cause anemia by various mechanisms. Rare genetic disorders can cause anemias that may improve with large amounts of supplements such as vitamin B1.^11,12

Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are the most common nutritional causes of anemia.¹³ Although rare, severe deficiencies of several other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A,^14,15vitamin B2,¹⁶vitamin B6,^17,18vitamin C,¹⁹ and copper,^20,21 can also cause anemia by various mechanisms. Rare genetic disorders can cause anemias that may improve with large amounts of supplements such as vitamin B1.^22,23

Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are the most common nutritional causes of anemia.²⁴ Although rare, severe deficiencies of several other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A,^25,26vitamin B2,²⁷vitamin B6,^28,29vitamin C,³⁰ and copper,^31,32 can also cause anemia by various mechanisms. Rare genetic disorders can cause anemias that may improve with large amounts of supplements such as vitamin B1.^33,34

Hemolytic anemia refers to a category of anemia in which red blood cells become fragile and undergo premature death. Vitamin E deficiency, though quite rare, can cause hemolytic anemia because vitamin E protects the red blood cell membrane from oxidative damage. Vitamin E deficiency anemia usually affects only premature infants and children with cystic fibrosis.^35,36 Preliminary studies have reported that large amounts (typically 800 IU per day) of vitamin E improve hemolytic anemia caused by a genetic deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)^37,38,39 and anemia caused by kidney dialysis.^40,41

Hemolytic anemia refers to a category of anemia in which red blood cells become fragile and undergo premature death. Vitamin E deficiency, though quite rare, can cause hemolytic anemia because vitamin E protects the red blood cell membrane from oxidative damage. Vitamin E deficiency anemia usually affects only premature infants and children with cystic fibrosis.^42,43 Preliminary studies have reported that large amounts (typically 800 IU per day) of vitamin E improve hemolytic anemia caused by a genetic deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)^44,45,46 and anemia caused by kidney dialysis.^47,48

Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are the most common nutritional causes of anemia.⁴⁹ Although rare, severe deficiencies of several other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A,^50,51vitamin B2,⁵²vitamin B6,^53,54vitamin C,⁵⁵ and copper,^56,57 can also cause anemia by various mechanisms. Rare genetic disorders can cause anemias that may improve with large amounts of supplements such as vitamin B1.^58,59

Açaí contains iron (approximately 1.5 to 5 mg per 3.5 ounces of fruit).⁶⁰ Although it has been traditionally used to help treat anemia, the amount of iron in açaí is not likely to be abundant or absorbable enough to have a significant effect.