What is "hematinic"

Hematinic \He`ma*tin"ic\, n. [From Hematin.] (Med.) Any substance, such as an iron salt or organic compound containing iron, which when ingested tends to increase the hemoglobin contents of the blood.

a. (context medicine English) That improves the quality of blood, especially by increasing the amount of hemoglobin or of red blood cells n. (context medicine English) Any drug that has this effect

n. a medicine that increases the hemoglobin content of the blood; used to treat iron-deficiency anemia [syn: haematinic]

A hematinic is a nutrient required for the formation of blood cells in the process of hematopoiesis. The main hematinics are iron, B12, and folate. Deficiency in hematinics can lead to anaemia. In cases of hematinic deficiency, hematinics can be administered as medicines, in order to increase the hemoglobin content of the blood.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that stimulates erthyropoiesis, which can also be given as a medicine to increase the hemoglobin content of the blood, but EPO is not classified as a hematinic.

Category:Drugs acting on the blood and blood forming organs