What should people with thalassemia eat to supplement their nutrition?
Disease description:
I was diagnosed with mild thalassemia during a hospital examination, but I haven't experienced any discomfort. What should I eat to help manage thalassemia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that primarily affects hemoglobin synthesis, leading to shortened red blood cell lifespan and dysfunction. Although dietary adjustments cannot cure thalassemia, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Below are some recommendations:
1. Iron-rich foods: Due to the need for regular blood transfusions among thalassemia patients, which can easily lead to excessive iron accumulation in the body, intake of high-iron foods should be restricted, and iron chelation therapy should be used under medical guidance.
2. Foods rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C promotes iron absorption; therefore, patients should consume more vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwifruit, lemon, apple, and peach. This can enhance iron absorption efficiency and better achieve hematopoietic effects.
3. Foods rich in folic acid: Folic acid deficiency can impair normal function of the hematopoietic system. Therefore, thalassemia patients should eat more folic acid-rich foods such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and cherries.
Dietary adjustments for thalassemia patients should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician or nutritionist to ensure safety and effectiveness.
