What to eat for iron deficiency anemia: recommendations
Disease description:
My mother has recently been diagnosed with severe iron-deficiency anemia, and I'd like to help improve her condition through dietary adjustments. What foods would you recommend?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced hemoglobin synthesis. Dietary modification is one of the important treatment approaches. It is recommended to increase intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat (beef, lamb), poultry, fish, legumes, soy products (e.g., tofu, soy milk), leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), nuts, dried fruits (e.g., almonds, apricots), and whole grains. Additionally, consuming vitamin C-rich foods—such as fruit juices, tomatoes, and citrus fruits—can enhance iron absorption. It is advisable to avoid excessive intake of calcium and caffeine at the same time, as they may interfere with iron absorption. Iron supplementation may also be necessary under medical supervision.
