Is drinking glucose helpful for anemia?

Jun 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have a mild case of anemia, so I plan to drink some glucose. May I ask if drinking glucose is helpful for anemia?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

The effectiveness of drinking glucose for anemia varies depending on the condition and underlying causes; overall, its direct effect is limited.

Glucose is a monosaccharide that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body, mainly providing energy and maintaining normal metabolism. For patients with anemia, glucose does not contain the raw materials required for blood formation and therefore cannot directly promote bone marrow hematopoiesis or increase hemoglobin levels.

For patients with mild to moderate anemia, appropriate supplementation with glucose may help alleviate fatigue and increase energy, as glucose provides energy. However, this does not mean that glucose can treat anemia, as the fundamental cause of anemia is the deficiency of hematopoietic raw materials or other underlying factors.

For patients with severe anemia, simply supplementing glucose cannot achieve therapeutic effects. A comprehensive approach involving various treatment methods, such as blood transfusions and medication, must be considered.

Drinking glucose has limited benefits for anemia and should not be considered a primary treatment method. Patients should, under a doctor's guidance, select appropriate treatments based on their specific condition and cause. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet is also an effective way to improve anemia.