Anemia is diagnosed through targeted blood tests that assess red blood cells, hemoglobin, and related markers such as MCV and MCH. Correct diagnosis is essential because treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, ranging from nutrient deficiencies to chronic disease or blood loss. This article explains how anemia is diagnosed, what blood values mean, and the most common treatment options from a holistic health perspective.
In This Article:
- What Anemia Is and Why Diagnosis Matters
- Understanding Blood Composition
- How Anemia Is Diagnosed
- Key Blood Tests Used in Anemia Diagnosis
- Identifying the Underlying Cause
- Treatment Options for Anemia
- A Holistic View on Supporting Blood Health
What Anemia Is and Why Diagnosis Matters
Anemia occurs when the body has too few red blood cells, too little hemoglobin, or both. Because hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen, anemia results in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Anemia is not a single condition but a collection of disorders with different causes, which is why accurate diagnosis is critical. A treatment that works well for one form of anemia — such as iron supplementation — may be ineffective or harmful in another.
At Vitalis Health, we emphasize correct diagnosis as the foundation for safe, effective, and holistic treatment.
Understanding Blood Composition
Blood is made up of two main components:
Blood Plasma
Plasma makes up more than half of total blood volume and contains dissolved substances such as:
- Hormones
- Nutrients (proteins, salts, sugars)
- Messenger substances
Plasma transports these substances throughout the body to nourish tissues and organs.
Blood Cells
The remaining portion of blood consists of cells, measured by the hematocrit value. These include:
- White blood cells (leukocytes): immune defence
- Platelets (thrombocytes): blood clotting
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes): oxygen transport
Red blood cells make up the vast majority of blood cells and contain hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.
How Anemia Is Diagnosed
People often seek medical or naturopathic care due to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or weakness. Anemia may also be discovered incidentally during routine blood tests or while investigating another condition.
A thorough diagnosis includes:
- Review of symptoms
- Medication history
- Assessment of existing or chronic conditions
Initial physical signs may include pale skin or mucous membranes, increased pulse, or heart murmurs, but laboratory testing is essential for confirmation.
Key Blood Tests Used in Anemia Diagnosis
Anemia is confirmed through a blood count, which evaluates several important markers:
- Red blood cell count (erythrocytes): Low levels suggest anemia
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Reduced levels directly indicate anemia
- Hematocrit (Hct): Measures the proportion of blood made up of cells
Additional indices help identify the type of anemia:
| Marker | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) | Amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell |
| MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) | Average size of red blood cells |
| Leukocytes & Platelets | Help assess infection, inflammation, bleeding, or bone marrow disorders |
These values guide further investigation and testing.
Identifying the Underlying Cause
Once anemia is confirmed, identifying the cause is the next critical step. Common possibilities include:
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
- Kidney-related anemia (low erythropoietin production)
- Bone marrow or stem cell disorders
- Acute or chronic bleeding
- Enlarged spleen
- Increased breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis)
Further testing may include a differential blood count, microscopic examination of blood cells, and measurement of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells).
- High reticulocyte count: suggests blood loss or increased breakdown
- Low reticulocyte count: suggests impaired red blood cell production
Treatment Options for Anemia
Treatment always depends on the diagnosed cause.
Treatment for Bleeding-Related Anemia
- Identify and stop the source of bleeding
- Acute blood loss may require emergency treatment or transfusion
Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Dietary changes to include iron-rich foods
- Iron supplementation when required
- Intravenous iron in cases of malabsorption or intolerance
Iron supplements may cause digestive discomfort and should be taken under professional guidance.
*Here you can find Vitamin B12 & Iron Supplement.
Treatment for Folic Acid or Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Increase dietary intake or use targeted supplementation
- Vitamin B12 deficiency may require injections or high-dose oral therapy
- Absorption issues must be addressed, especially after surgery or in autoimmune conditions
Treatment for Other Forms of Anemia
Other treatment options may include:
- Erythropoietin therapy in kidney-related anemia
- Specialist therapies for bone marrow disorders
- Treatment of underlying chronic or autoimmune disease
Correct treatment depends on addressing the root cause, not just correcting blood values.
A Holistic View on Supporting Blood Health
From a holistic health perspective, digestion, absorption, inflammation, and gut health all influence blood health.
At Vitalis Health, colon wellbeing is often considered as part of a broader support plan. When appropriate, colon hydrotherapy may help support digestive function and nutrient absorption, contributing to overall vitality.
If you suspect anemia or experience persistent fatigue or weakness, consult your naturopath or healthcare provider for proper testing and personalized care.
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