Protocol · Infections & Parasites
Hookworm Infection Recovery Support Protocol
Iron and Folate are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Hookworm Infection Recovery Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Iron | Amount listed: 100–200 mg elemental iron daily (ferrous sulfate, fumarate, or gluconate) | Hookworms cause iron deficiency anemia through intestinal blood loss; iron replacement is critical | Not graded yet | |
| Folate | Amount listed: 400–800 mcg daily | Supports red blood cell production to help recovery from anemia | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Vitamin B12 | Amount listed: 1,000 mcg daily | Supports red blood cell production and recovery from anemia | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin A | Amount listed: 5,000–10,000 IU daily (do not exceed in pregnancy) | Enhances immune response; deficiency common with intestinal parasites | Not graded yet | |
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports immune function and intestinal healing; often deficient in parasitic infections | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily (take with iron supplements) | Enhances iron absorption; supports immune function | Not graded yet | |
| Protein Supplementation | Amount listed: 20–40 g high-quality protein daily (in addition to diet) | Supports recovery from protein malnutrition common with chronic hookworm infection | Not graded yet | |
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU daily | Supports gut health restoration after parasitic damage and antihelmintic treatment | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Hookworm infection (ancylostomiasis/necatoriasis) is caused by parasitic worms that attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. Hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) are transmitted through contaminated soil - larvae penetrate the skin (often through bare feet), travel to the lungs, are swallowed, and mature in the intestines. Infection causes iron deficiency anemia (often severe), protein malnutrition, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in children, impaired growth and cognitive development.
CRITICAL: Hookworm infection requires antiparasitic medication (anthelmintics) - albendazole or mebendazole are standard treatment. A single dose of albendazole 400mg or mebendazole 500mg is usually effective. These supplements do NOT kill hookworms - they support recovery from the nutritional damage caused by the infection. Treatment should be confirmed with follow-up stool testing. Severe anemia may require blood transfusion before treatment. Prevention involves wearing shoes in endemic areas and improving sanitation.
Iron* is the most critical supplement because hookworms cause iron deficiency anemia by feeding on blood. A heavy infection can consume 0.15-0.26 mL of blood per worm per day. Iron supplementation is essential during and after treatment.
Folate* supports red blood cell production during recovery from anemia.
Vitamin B12* also supports blood cell production.
Vitamin A* enhances immune response against parasites. Deficiency is common with intestinal parasites.
Zinc* supports immune function and intestinal healing. Deficiency impairs the immune response to parasites.
Vitamin C* enhances iron absorption - taking it with iron supplements improves recovery from anemia.
Protein* supplementation helps recover from protein malnutrition, especially in chronic or heavy infections.
Probiotics* support gut health restoration after parasitic damage.
Expected timeline: Antiparasitic treatment works within days. Anemia recovery takes 2-4 months with adequate iron supplementation. Full nutritional recovery may take longer in severe cases.