Blood is a highly complex and constantly changing tissue which is concerned with the transport of oxygen and cell nutrients, the elimination of wastes, and the maintenance of chemical equilibrium, its intricate function and composition suggest the need for a considerable variety of nutrients which must be amply provided in the diet. Whenever one's nutrition fails to offer adequate amounts of essential blood-building constituents, then supplemental hematinic/anti-anemic preparations must be given to maintain the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Conditions which necessitate supplemental of hematinic factors are: Iron deficiency anemia; Iron insufficiencies in periods of rapid adolescent growth, pregnancy and lactation, excessive menstrual flow, and old age; Iron deficiency anemia associated with traumatic or endogenous hemorrhages, gastrointestinal tract surgery and malnutrition; Megaloblastic anemia.