Q: What does it take to build blood?

A: Anaemia occurs when the amount of red blood cells in the blood is not enough. Simply put, a shortage (deficiency of red blood cells). To confirm this diagnosis, a Full Blood Count (FBC) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) test is done.

Iron is needed to produce new red blood cells. Folic acid and Vitamin B-12 are also important in the process.To make up deficiency of red blood cells(or to build the blood, in the words of the gentleman that asked this), iron and vitamin intake should be increased. Supplements are an option, however, as I always say, supplements are meant to plug holes that exist in the diet and not be the main stay of the diet itself. So, it’s much better to eat iron rich food like: eggs, shellfish, beans and other legumes, green leafy vegetables, lean red meat, iron-enriched…