What to eat for iron deficiency anemia

In general, individuals with iron-deficiency anemia can consume foods such as pork liver, duck blood, spinach, beef, and cherries. They may also take medications under medical guidance, including ferrous fumarate tablets, ferrous succinate tablets, ferrous gluconate syrup, ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, and vitamin C tablets to help manage the condition. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Pork Liver
Rich in heme iron, which has a high absorption rate, pork liver quickly replenishes iron in the body, promotes hemoglobin synthesis, and helps alleviate symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia such as fatigue and pale complexion. It also contains vitamin A, which aids in the absorption and utilization of iron.

2. Duck Blood
As an animal blood product, duck blood is rich in easily absorbable heme iron. It effectively supplements the body's iron needs and alleviates iron deficiency. Its soft texture makes it easy to digest, making it suitable for iron supplementation across various populations.

3. Spinach
Contains abundant non-heme iron and is also rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances the absorption rate of non-heme iron, helping the body better utilize the iron in spinach and assisting in improving iron-deficiency anemia.

4. Beef
A high-quality source of animal-based iron, beef is rich in heme iron, whose absorption is not significantly affected by other dietary factors. It effectively replenishes iron and is also high in protein, providing essential building blocks for hemoglobin synthesis and supporting improvement of anemia.

5. Cherries
Contain a moderate amount of iron and are rich in vitamin C and organic acids. These components promote iron solubility and absorption. Moderate consumption can assist in iron supplementation and help improve symptoms of mild iron-deficiency anemia.

II. Medications

1. Ferrous Fumarate Tablets
A divalent iron preparation with high iron content and good absorption, ferrous fumarate directly supplies the iron needed by the body, promotes hemoglobin synthesis, and rapidly improves symptoms caused by iron-deficiency anemia. It is suitable for patients with moderate to severe iron-deficiency anemia.

2. Ferrous Succinate Tablets
An organic iron formulation that causes relatively less gastrointestinal irritation and has a high iron absorption rate. It effectively corrects iron deficiency, increases iron stores, and relieves discomfort such as fatigue and dizziness caused by iron-deficiency anemia.

3. Ferrous Gluconate Syrup
With a pleasant taste, this syrup is suitable for children, elderly individuals, and those with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. It supplements iron, promotes hemoglobin production, and improves iron-deficiency anemia. The liquid form is convenient to take and easily absorbed.

4. Ferrous Sulfate Sustained-Release Tablets
A traditional divalent iron preparation with sufficient iron content. The sustained-release formulation reduces gastrointestinal irritation by slowly releasing iron, allowing continuous iron supplementation. It is ideal for patients requiring long-term iron replacement therapy.

5. Vitamin C Tablets
While not a direct source of iron, vitamin C converts poorly absorbed trivalent iron into more readily absorbed divalent iron, thereby enhancing iron absorption. When used in combination with iron supplements, it boosts iron absorption efficiency and supports the improvement of iron-deficiency anemia.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid consuming tea or coffee with iron supplements or iron-rich foods, as they can interfere with iron absorption. Regular blood tests should be conducted to monitor improvements in anemia, and iron supplementation plans should be adjusted under medical supervision when necessary.