What should middle-aged people with anemia eat?

In general, anemia in middle-aged individuals is mostly due to iron deficiency. They can consume foods such as lean beef, duck blood, spinach, kiwifruit, and black beans. Additionally, under medical guidance, they may take medications like ferrous succinate tablets, ferrous gluconate syrup, ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, vitamin C tablets, and compound ferrous sulfate folic acid tablets for treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Foods

1. Lean Beef

Rich in heme iron with high absorption rate and low fat content, lean beef is suitable for digestion and absorption in middle-aged adults. It rapidly replenishes iron and provides high-quality protein—essential raw material for hemoglobin synthesis—helping alleviate fatigue and low energy caused by anemia.

2. Duck Blood

High in heme iron and soft in texture, duck blood is easy to chew and places minimal burden on the gastrointestinal tract of middle-aged individuals. It can be directly utilized by the body to replenish iron, helping relieve symptoms of iron deficiency such as pale complexion and dizziness. It is suitable for daily consumption with vegetables.

3. Spinach

Contains non-heme iron and abundant vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. Rich in dietary fiber, spinach also helps improve constipation commonly seen in middle-aged individuals. It supports both iron supplementation and gut health, best consumed after blanching, either in salads or quick stir-fries.

4. Kiwifruit

High in vitamin C, kiwifruit does not directly supply iron but converts trivalent iron from food into absorbable divalent iron, improving iron utilization. Its sweet-tart flavor boosts appetite and makes it ideal to pair with iron-rich foods to assist in managing anemia.

5. Black Beans

A source of plant-based iron and protein, black beans are also rich in dietary fiber and unsaturated fatty acids. They help regulate blood lipids and glucose levels in middle-aged individuals while supplementing iron. Suitable for cooking into porridge or blending into soy milk, they meet both nutritional and health needs.

2. Medications

1. Ferrous Succinate Tablets

An organic iron formulation with relatively low gastrointestinal irritation, these tablets are well-suited for middle-aged individuals. They effectively correct iron deficiency, increase iron stores, and relieve anemia symptoms—particularly beneficial for those with mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

2. Ferrous Gluconate Syrup

The liquid form is easy to take and gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for middle-aged individuals with weakened digestive function. It steadily supplies iron, promotes hemoglobin synthesis, and improves anemic conditions.

3. Ferrous Sulfate Sustained-Release Tablets

The sustained-release formulation gradually releases iron, minimizing gastrointestinal irritation. With sufficient iron content, it is suitable for middle-aged patients requiring long-term iron supplementation, ensuring continuous iron supply and preventing recurrence of anemia.

4. Vitamin C Tablets

When used with iron supplements, vitamin C converts poorly absorbed trivalent iron into readily absorbed divalent iron, enhancing iron absorption efficiency and boosting the effectiveness of iron therapy. It also strengthens immunity in middle-aged individuals and is recommended for regular co-administration with iron supplements.

5. Compound Ferrous Sulfate Folic Acid Tablets

Containing ferrous sulfate, folic acid, and other ingredients, this medication replenishes iron while addressing folic acid deficiency. It is suitable for middle-aged individuals with anemia caused by combined deficiencies of iron and folic acid, especially men and women with mild folic acid insufficiency.

In daily life, middle-aged individuals should avoid strong tea and coffee during iron supplementation, as these beverages may impair iron absorption. Maintain regular eating habits and avoid excessive dieting or picky eating. If anemia persists despite intervention, seek timely medical evaluation to rule out chronic blood loss or other underlying causes, and receive targeted treatment accordingly.