5 foods to avoid when suffering from iron deficiency anemia

Certain foods can block the absorption of iron in the body. People with iron deficiency anemia need to avoid or limit certain foods to help restore iron levels.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that can occur if the body does not have enough iron. Diet plays an important role in whether people consume enough iron and how well their bodies absorb it. Avoiding certain foods that prevent iron absorption and adding more foods rich in iron and vitamin C can help treat anemia.

1. How does diet affect anemia?

Diet can help prevent anemia and maintain iron levels in the body.

According to Dr. Han Viet Trung - Deputy Director of the Center for Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Bach Mai Hospital, anemia is a clinical condition that affects many people, especially women. Although there are many different factors that reduce red blood cell production in the body, iron and folate deficiency are the main causes. Consuming foods rich in iron and folic acid can increase hemoglobin levels, but there are some foods that hinder the absorption of these nutrients.

Diet can help prevent anemia and maintain iron levels in the body. This includes trying to eat a balanced diet with good sources of iron and vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.

Young children can develop iron deficiency anemia if their diet does not contain enough iron. This happens when they start eating solid foods, usually between 9 months and 1 year of age. Adding iron-rich solid foods can help prevent this.

According to a 2022 review of iron deficiency anemia in women, most dietary interventions for anemia are effective. The most effective dietary approach appears to be increasing iron and vitamin C intake.

2. Some foods hinder iron absorption

Foods containing calcium are one of the foods that people with anemia should avoid eating with foods rich in iron.

Do not eat foods high in iron at the same time as foods high in calcium.

One of the main causes of anemia is iron deficiency and therefore, people with anemia should not eat foods with high calcium content and should not eat calcium-rich foods at the same time and close to iron-rich foods because it will reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. This is because calcium hinders the absorption of iron in the body, making the condition worse.

Foods rich in calcium include milk and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, nuts, bananas, sardines, green leafy vegetables, fortified orange juice…

Foods rich in tannins

Although black tea, green tea, and coffee are good for health, people with iron deficiency anemia should limit these foods because they contain tannin, a compound that interferes with the absorption of iron, especially nonheme iron found in plant foods. Other foods high in tannin include dark chocolate, pomegranate juice, red wine, etc.

Foods rich in gluten

People with anemia should avoid foods rich in gluten as it can make the condition worse. In some people, gluten damages the intestinal wall, preventing the absorption of iron and folic acid, both of which are needed for red blood cell production. Gluten is mainly found in pasta, wheat products, barley, rye and oats.

Foods rich in phytate

Phytate often binds to iron in the digestive tract, preventing its absorption. Therefore, people with iron deficiency anemia should avoid foods containing phytate or phytic acid, such as wheat products, such as bread, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, etc.

Oxalic acid foods

In some cases, foods containing oxalic acid can interfere with iron absorption. Therefore, people with anemia should consume these foods in limited quantities and should avoid them while taking medication. Foods containing oxalic acid include peanuts, spinach, parsley, and chocolate.

3. When should I see a doctor?

Persistent fatigue can be a sign of anemia.

According to Dr. Han Viet Trung, people should see a doctor if they have signs or symptoms of anemia, such as:

• Tired or extremely tired;
• out of breath;
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded;
• Cold hands and feet;
• Pale skin...

Anemia can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet, certain medications, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Iron deficiency anemia can also be a sign of an underlying condition such as:

• Gastrointestinal disorders that cause bleeding in the digestive tract, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease;
• Urinary tract bleeding;
• A genetic condition that affects iron absorption;
• Helicobacter pylori infection;
• Kidney disease;
• Obesity or congestive heart failure, which cause inflammation that makes it harder for the body to use iron...

Your doctor may do blood tests to check your iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin levels to diagnose low iron or anemia.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/5-thuc-pham-nen-tranh-khi-bi-thieu-mau-do-thieu-sat-172241225180051663.htm