Red blood cells The formation of healthy red blood cells depends on essential nutrients known as hematinics, examples of which include iron and vitamin B12. (more) hematinic biochemistry Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/hematinic Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 24, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot hematinic, any vitamin or other substance that serves as a building block in the formation of blood components, particularly hemoglobin and red blood cells. In many instances anemia and related conditions result from deficiencies in hematinics, most commonly iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid. As therapeutic agents, hematinics differ from erythropoietic drugs, which directly stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Hematinics such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid may be obtained...

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