Anemia is a condition where a decrease has happened in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood. This results in a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
There are many different types of anemia, each with its own cause. The most common type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia, which can be caused by blood loss, pregnancy, or a diet low in iron.
Other types of anemia include (2):
While diet may not be the only cause of anemia, it is often a contributing factor. Eating a diet that is low in iron or other nutrients needed for RBC production can lead to anemia. A diet lacking in vitamin B12 or folate can also cause anemia (2).
The best way to treat anemia is to correct the underlying cause. If the cause is a lack of iron in the diet, then increasing iron intake is the best way to treat anemia. Eating foods that are high in iron and taking iron supplements can help increase iron levels in the blood (2).
If the cause of anemia is a lack of vitamin B12, then taking vitamin B12 supplements or eating foods that are high in vitamin B12 can help (2). If the problem is absorption, then injections may be needed.
Which diet it is depends on the type of anemia. For iron deficiency anemia, the diet should include foods that are high in iron.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iron is 8 milligrams (mg) for adult men or postmenopausal women and 18 mg for menstruating women (1). Pregnant women need 27 mg per day. There are two types of iron in foods: heme iron and nonheme iron.
This is found in animal foods and is better absorbed than non heme iron. Good sources of heme iron include:
This is found in both animal and plant foods. Nonheme iron is not as well absorbed as heme iron, but it is a major source of iron in the diet. Good sources of nonheme iron include:
To help increase the absorption of nonheme iron, it is important to eat foods that are high in vitamin C. Good sources of vitamin C include:
For pernicious anemia, the diet should include foods that are high in vitamin B12. The RDA for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day (1). Good sources of vitamin B12 include:
Vitamin B12 is also found in fortified breakfast cereals and some nutritional yeast products.
Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified grain products.
In addition to following a healthy diet, there are other things that can be done to treat anemia. If you are iron deficient, your doctor may recommend taking iron supplements.
If you are B12 deficient, your doctor may recommend taking vitamin B12 supplements or getting injections of vitamin B12 if you cannot absorb it well in oral form.
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This anemia diet is rich in iron and vitamin C foods. It also includes foods that are high in vitamin B12 and folate.
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There are some foods that can interfere with the absorption of iron and should be limited or avoided if you have anemia. These include:
There are several things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most from your anemia diet:
Cooking in a cast-iron skillet can increase the iron content of food. This is because the iron from the skillet can leach into the food.
Grains contain phytates, which can bind to iron and prevent its absorption. Soaking your grains overnight can help reduce the amount of phytates.
Vitamin C can help increase the absorption of iron. So, include foods like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes in your diet.
If you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, you may need to take an iron supplement. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Pregnant women and women of childbearing age need more iron than other groups. This is because they lose iron during menstruation and have increased needs during pregnancy. They also need iron to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
The recommended daily intake of iron for menstruating women is 18 mg per day, and for pregnant women it is 27 mg per day (3).
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If you’re looking for an anemia diet plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure you’ll get enough iron, if your anemia is due to an iron deficiency. This means including iron-rich foods in your diet and taking an iron supplement if recommended by your doctor.
You also need to include foods that help increase the absorption of iron, such as those that are high in vitamin C. Finally, you need to avoid or limit foods that can interfere with the absorption of iron.
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