Some types of anemia cannot be prevented, such as sickle cell anemia. However, you can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin-deficiency anemias by making sure you get enough of these vitamins and minerals in your diet. You can also take supplements or multivitamins that contain folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. However, taking iron supplements is not recommended for everyone. While women of reproductive age may need small amounts of supplemental iron each month, most other people do not need any iron beyond what they get in their diet. In fact, taking iron supplements that you don’t need can be very dangerous. The body tends to retain almost all of the iron it takes in and if too much accumulates, it can be deposited in places like the heart valves and arteries (called iron loading).