The most common cause of anemia in the population is iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia) and the foods that are source of iron are listed below. Iron is present in foods of animal origin, in which it is in a form that is more used by man, and of vegetable origin.
- Bull's liver;
- Fish;
- Egg yolk;
- Bean;
- Lentil and pea;
- Beet;
- Dark leaves (Broccoli, spinach, kale and watercress).
It is important to stress that, once the iron deficiency anemia is established, that is, if there is a fall in serum hemoglobin, it is necessary to ferrous sulphate the most common form, available in basic health units, for at least six months. Another important fact is that there are certain foods, such as citrus fruits and those rich in vitamin C, that increase the use of iron ingested by the body. On the other hand, there are foods that diminish this use, such as milk and black tea, mate tea, which should be avoided from being consumed with ferrous sulfate or food source iron. It is important that your doctor cause of iron deficiency anemia. In young children and menstruating women, iron deficiency anemia is common, but each case should be evaluated in particular to rule out bleeding or difficulty absorbing ingested iron.
There are other deficiencies of elements that can cause anemia, such as deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid (megaloblastic anemia). Foods that are sources of vitamin B12 are:
- Fish;
- Meat;
- Eggs;
- Cheese;
- Milk.
Foods that are sources of folic acid are listed below:
- Bean;
- Orange (200 ml of juice = 75 mcg of folic acid);
- Almond, hazelnut and peanut;
- Liver (100g = 217 mcg of folic acid);
- Lentils (1 cooked cup = 360 mcg of folic acid);
- Yeast, soy, corn and cereals;
- Spinach, broccoli, sprouts and all green vegetables (10 leaves of lettuce = 136 mcg of folic acid);
- Cashew;
- Eggs (1 unit = 24 mcg of folic acid);
- milk
A medical evaluation is also required to determine if megaloblastic anemia is caused by difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 and / or folic acid, and in some cases, it will be necessary to replenish these nutrients.
For an evaluation of anemia, its cause (etiology) and the necessary treatment, a general practitioner or pediatrician should be sought in the case of children.
Learn more at: What are the types of anemia and its symptoms?
