VITAMIN C/IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Taking large doses (1500 mgm daily) of vitamin C to prevent cold may lead to iron-deficiency anemia, apparently by blockage of the effects of copper, which is essential for iron transport in the blood. Male volunteers given vitamin C supplements developed iron deficiency anemia despite an adequate iron intake. (Science News 124:281, October 29, 1983) Copyright Phylis Austin

DAIRY PRODUCTS/IRON ABSORPTION/ANEMIA
Dairy products decrease iron absorption (Human Nutrition: /Clinical Nutrition 39C:279-287, 1985; Int. J. Vitamin and Nutrition Research 56:281-286, 1986). Tea, coffee, and eggs are also known to inhibit iron absorption. Copyright Phylis Austin

RUNNER'S ANEMIA
Individuals who adopt vigorous physical fitness programs often show lower hemoglobin levels, which have been referred to as runner's anaemia. Some have felt that this was a matter of great concern to athletes. A lecturer in hematology at the University of Wales College of Medicine points out that oxygen availability increases, insuring that the oxygen supply is adequate. He does not feel that iron supplements are necessary in healthy athletes, despite their low hemoglobin levels. (British Medical Journal 295:455-456, August 22, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

COFFEE/IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Coffee intake during pregnancy may produce anemia in both mother and fetus. It is known that coffee intake leads to low birth weight in laboratory animals. Coffee intake during breast-feeding produces lower breast-milk iron levels, which may cause anemia in the infant.
The women in this study developed anemia despite the fact that they reported taking iron supplements on a regular basis. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 48:654-51, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

ZINC/BONE MARROW DEPRESSION/ SIDEROBLASTIC ANEMIA
Excessive zinc intake may lower copper levels in the body, and lead to bone marrow depression and anemia. (Journal of the American Medical Association 264(11)1441-1443, September 19, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

MATERNAL HEMATOCRIT/PREGNANCY OUTCOME
Women with high hematocrits during pregnancy may be at increased risk of preterm delivery of their infants. High hematocrits were also associated with fetal growth retardation. (Obstetrics and Gynecology 77(2)190-194, February 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/ANEMIA
Athletes often have low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, and some doctors immediately prescribe iron supplements. We now understand that low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are normal in physically fit athletes, and iron supplements are not only unnecessary, but may be harmful. (The Physician and Sportsmedicine 19(4)96-102, April 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

BODY SIZE, BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEMATOCRIT/PREECLAMPSIA
A study of over 4,000 pregnant women revealed that as body size, blood pressure, and hematocrit increased, so did the risk of developing preeclampsia during the pregnancy. (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 164(1 Pt 2)393, January 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEMATOCRIT/INSULIN RESISTANCE
Men with hematocrits (index of iron) of 48 percent or higher have a fourfold increased rate of non-insulin-dependent-diabetes mellitus, according to a study from Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in London. They followed over 7,000 middle-aged men for more than 12 years, and discovered that the risk of diabetes increases as the hematocrit increases. (Diabetes 45:576-579, 1997). Furthermore, as the hematocrit increases, the risk of stroke increases. Copyright Phylis Austin