Hematinic factors

Hematinic factors (or haematinic factors for British purists) are those nutrients that promote blood formation in the body (mostly in the marrow of some of the bones, notably the femur, pelvic bones and ribs). Hematinic factors include Iron, Folic acid, Vitamin B12 and Copper.
More specifically, hematinic factors are those that increase the formation of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. Without the hematinic factors, the red blood cells will continue to be made, but with inadequate levels of haemoglobin - this is what is normally called anaemia. Lack of any of the necessary nutrients in hematinic factors can lead to anaemia. In the case of iron, this is because iron is a part of the haemoglobin molecule; in the case of the other hematinic factors it is because they are needed for the enzymes involved in the production of haemoglobin.
Hematinic factors can therefore help prevent anaemia, or reverse it if you are already anaemic. Amaemia has some well-known symptoms; fatigue, pale skin, palpitations, shortness of breath and in extreme cases headache, angina and leg pains. Any and all of these symptoms should of course be investigated by qualified practitioners if present; even if it does turn out to be anaemia, there are many possible causes of that. Lack of the hematinic factors is only one of them, and by far the least serious and easiest to correct.
However, if you are anaemic and know what the reason is having had it investigated, hematinic factors can be a very useful help in correcting the problem.
Some of the hematinic factors also have other effects on the body; for example copper is essential for the production of melanin, the main pigment in hair and skin. Vitamin B12 is essential for many functions in the body and is particularly important for the health of the nervous system. Folic acid is essential for the formation of DNA; hence it is essential for the growth and repair of tissues.