FOODS FOR ANEMIA

Ms Yukta Sharma | Clinical Dietician (MSc CND, CDE)

Anemia is a common blood disorder that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities worldwide According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1 62 billion people, or 24 8% of the global population, suffer from anemia In India, the prevalence of anemia is significantly higher, affecting approximately 40% of the population Anemia can pose to be a serious health concern, as it can lead to several complications, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and impaired cognitive function. One of the primary strategies for preventing and treating anemia is through adequate nutrition and dietary interventions Iron is a

Key Nutrient For Preventing And Treating Anemia

The human body requires iron to produce hemoglobin, an essential protein responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. Iron sources- heme and nonheme. Good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals It's important to note that the body absorbs iron from animal sources more easily than from plant sources, so vegetarians and vegans may need to consume more iron-rich foods or consider taking a supplement

Therefore, consuming foods rich in iron is essential for individuals with anemia.

Here are some examples of foods that are rich in nutrients that can help prevent and treat anemia:

Red meat

is an excellent source of heme iron, a type of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron found in plant-based sources. However, it's important to consume red meat in moderation and choose lean cuts to avoid excess saturated fat

Poultry and fish

In addition, they are low in fat and provide high-quality protein, which is important for the formation of red blood cells. Salmon, for example, is a particularly good source of iron, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which have antiinflammatory properties Chicken and turkey are also good sources of iron 100g of cooked chicken contains about 9 9 mg of iron Shellfish, such as oysters and clams, are particularly high in iron A 100g serving of cooked clams contains about 23 mg of iron are also good sources of heme iron