Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
For the health condition: Anemia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is increasingly recognized for its potential role in supporting or treating certain forms of anemia, but the evidence base is limited and primarily emerging from recent scientific studies rather than traditional use. Traditionally, Vitamin D has not been used to treat anemia. However, contemporary research suggests that Vitamin D may influence erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells) through several mechanisms, including modulation of inflammation and direct effects on erythroid precursor cells in the bone marrow.
Observational studies have identified an association between low Vitamin D levels and a higher prevalence of anemia, particularly in populations with chronic kidney disease, inflammatory conditions, or in the elderly. Some interventional studies have shown modest improvements in hemoglobin levels or reduced anemia risk after Vitamin D supplementation, especially in patients with concurrent Vitamin D deficiency. The mechanisms proposed include Vitamin D’s ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6), which can otherwise inhibit erythropoiesis, and its potential effect on erythropoietin sensitivity.
Despite these findings, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are limited. Most studies are small, observational, or have methodological weaknesses. There is insufficient large-scale randomized controlled trial data to firmly establish Vitamin D supplementation as a standard treatment for anemia. Therefore, while there is scientific interest and some preliminary evidence, the support for Vitamin D’s use in anemia is modest and far from definitive.
Other ingredients used for Anemia
alfalfaamino acids
anchovies
apple
ashwagandha
astragalus
beet
black cumin
sesame
blackberry
bovine
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caterpillar mushroom
catjang cowpea
chlorella
coconut milk
collard
cordyceps
dog rose
dong quai root
fish protein
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fu ling
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
greens blend (proprietary)
hibiscus
Indian tinospora
iron
jujube
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lactoferrin
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
maca
mackerel
moringa
nettle
oat
orange
oyster mushroom
parsley
plantain
plum fruit
pollen
pomegranate
pomelo
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quail egg
quinoa
redcurrant
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sardines
shiitake mushroom
soybean
spinach
spirulina
tomato
triphala
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
watercress
wheat grass
mulberry
yeast
zinc
suma
tangerine
shen-chu
mugwort
nut grass
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
morus
root tuber
cistanche
dodder
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
trichosanthes
dulse leaf
royal jelly
trace minerals
purslane
fulvic acid
aster root
shepherd's purse
wheat germ
biota seed
goji berry
paw paw
amaranth
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
kidney beans
chickpea protein
17beta-[{1-Ketoethyl}-androsta-1, 4-diene-3-one,17a-ol]
17a-di methyl-bol
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Animal Tissue
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Abrus
Alchornea
Autumn Olive
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Abalone
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Bermuda Grass
Bidens pilosa
Breadnut
Blepharis
Beef Protein
Butea monosperma
Beef
Beef liver
Buffalo
Bok Choy
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bael
Bean
Butternut
berry
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Broad Bean
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Blue-Green Alage
banana
Baobab
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bird's nest
Cumin
Cowpea
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Cashew
Citrus
Cereal grass
Chlorophytum
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Canihua
Chestnut
Cytokines
Cassava
Celosia
Currant
Duodenum
Deer Root
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dragon Fruit
Dong Quai
Dolichos
Date
Dulse
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Empresstree
Egg
Eclipta
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Fig
Folic Acid
Little ironweed
Molasses
Metal Salt
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
AnemiaArthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Inflammation
Influenza
Lupus
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Post Partum Depression
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Tuberculosis
Wounds and Sores