Anemia Information and Diet for Anemia

Inadequate information regarding the gender and age of the individual is available. Decrease in hemoglobin levels is typical of anemia. Anemia is a common disorder, seen in adolescent girls and women, due to menstrual loss. The recommended dietary allowance of iron for women is 30 mg per day. It increases to 38 mg, in case of pregnancy. The levels are slightly lower for men at 28 mg per day.  Anemia is also common in old age, due to poor bioavailability and improper digestion. Iron in food source is available as heme and non-heme iron. The absorption of non heme iron is poor in comparison to heme iron. The absorption of the former is better in the presence of certain foods such as meat, chicken, citrus fruits and fish. These foods act as promoters, which helps in the absorption of the same. Intake of beverages, such as coffee and tea decrease the absorption of iron by half. Egg yolk is also an inhibitor of iron absorption and this effect is attributed to the presence of phosvitin.

Best Diet and Nutrition for Anemia

Good sources of non-heme iron are oatmeal, beans, peas, lentils, fortified cereals, wheat germ, pasta, corn, asparagus, baked potatoes, green leafy vegetables, dates, nuts, raisins, pumpkin seeds and dried apricots. Pork liver, shrimp, chicken, oyster, turkey, clam, lean meat, tuna and sardines are good sources of heme iron. Fresh salad with green leafy vegetable or green gram can be a part of the meal. Steamed vegetables with tortillas and dilute yoghurt are a good meal portion for an anemic person. Fruit diet can be a part of the meal. Exclusive fruit diets for three days, proves beneficial. This diet requires the guidance of your physician.

Avoid the intake of sweet potato, antacids, soy, phosphates, spinach, chocolate, beet greens, whole grain, bran and beverages, along with iron rich foods, as these are inhibitors, which interfere with the absorption of the same. Black sesame seeds, honey and almonds prove beneficial in the diet of an anemic individual. Soya is a good source of iron. It is given in the form of milk, as it is easy to digest. Almond is a good source of copper, which acts as a catalyst in hemoglobin synthesis. Kidney, liver and dairy products are good sources of cobalamine or vitamin B12, which plays a vital role in the prevention and alleviation of anemia.