Diet for Anemia Patients

Anemia is a condition where the total red blood cell or hemoglobin count of the blood is low. The condition is both serious as well as common, especially among women. Causes of anemia are many, ranging from heredity to co-morbidities, but poor diet is the most common factor, leading to precipitation of symptoms.

While a diet sufficiently rich in Iron is primary to anemia treatment, Vit B 12 and folic acid are also important in correcting the disorder.

Dietary Iron

Heme iron, supplied through non vegetarian foods is better absorbed by the body and it does not require the carriers like Vit C. Its sources include beef, egg, shrimp, chicken, oyster, pork and Turkey.

Vegetarian food sources of this mineral provide the non-heme iron, and the best sources are dark green leafy vegetables, dry apricots, whole wheat bread, dry fruits like prunes and raisins, beans, lentil, chick peas and soya bean. Pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds are also helpful. These require an acidic food for their absorption in the system. It is therefore important to take Vit. C rich foods along with the non heme iron food sources.

Vitamin B12

This vitamin is required for production of red blood cells. Its sources include milk and its products, egg, whey extracts, low fat cheese and salmon.

Folic Acid Rich Foods

Folic acid is also an important nutrient that helps in the cure of anemia. Its sources are dried beans, lentils, soaked almonds, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, oranges and whole grain breads.

Including Vitamin C

It helps in the absorption of non heme iron (iron obtained from plant sources). Get your daily dose of Vit C from foods like orange, amla and lemon.

For better iron absorption, avoid taking milk, antacids and calcium rich foods or calcium supplements at the time of taking iron-rich food or supplements.