Food for Anemia

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anemia

Home » Health Conditions » Food for Anemia

Symptom :	anemia
Other Terms :	anaemia

Deficiency of one, or a combination of nutrients can contribute to anemia. Dietary elements that are important for anemia are tabled below, together with corresponding lists of food for anemia prevention.

What nutrient deficiencies can lead to anemia :

DIETARY ELEMENT | DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS | FOODS

Choline | More on Choline
Deficiency of choline can cause anemia symptoms. Causes anemia arising from lack of red blood cell formation, as a cell membrane component, phosphatidylcholine, needs choline for its production.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Choline :
	impaired fat metabolism, resulting in lower blood levels of VLDL that is used to transport fats
	fatty build-up in the liver, which may lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or fatty degeneration
	raised levels of cholesterol or triglycerides
	high blood pressure (hypertension)
	high blood levels of homocysteine, leading to risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems
	respiratory distress in newborns, nerve degeneration, or nerve-muscle imbalances due to insufficient acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter)
	kidney hemorrhage or kidneys unable to concentrate urine
	abnormal bone formation
	impaired growth in newborns
	fatigue
	insomnia
	infertility
	impaired memory or brain function or senile dementia (shortage of acetylcholine in the brain has been associated with Alzheimer's)

Choline rich food for anemia diet · lecithin (usually derived from soybeans) · soybeans and soybean products · egg (fresh, not powdered) · wheat germ.

Folic Acid | More on Folic Acid
Deficiency of folic acid leads to anemia. Symptoms / causes : megaloblastic macrocytic anemia due to DNA defects, leading to red blood cells that are defective and carry less oxygen than normal, and characterized by breathlessness, heart palpitation, insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, lethargy, stomach disorders, pallor and sensitivity to cold.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Folic Acid :
	chronic muscular fatigue or general weakness
	affects production of neurotransmitters, leading to symptoms of irritability, hostility, non-senile dementia, confusion, insomnia, mental fatigue, depression, and restless leg syndrome
	skin disorders like seborrheic dermatitis and vitiligo (loss of pigment leading to white patches on the skin)
	gastrointestinal tract problems like periodontal disease, gingivitis, mouth and peptic ulcers, and digestive upsets
	swollen or sore or smooth red tongue (glossitis)
	cervical dysplasia, leading to greater risk of cervical cancer from factors such as smoking and HPV infection
	premature grey hair
	higher blood levels of homocysteine and risk of heart disease
	deficiency can slow overall growth rate of infants and children
	low birth weight or premature infants, and neural tube defects resulting in severe brain or neurological damage of the fetus

High Folic Acid food for anemia diet · organ meat like animal liver or kidney · legumes (peas and dried beans such as adzuki beans, black beans, cranberry beans, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, dal, kidney beans, lentils, mung beans, navy beans, pinto beans) · dark-green leafy vegetables including asparagus, beets, broccoli, collard greens, cauliflower, mustard greens, parsley, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | More on Vitamin B2
Deficiency of vitamin B2 can lead to anemia. Symptoms / causes :
sickle cell anemia or iron deficiency anemia symptoms; research shows riboflavin levels tend to be low in such cases and that supplementation may improve their response to iron therapy.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Vitamin B2 :
	dermatitis
	peeling of skin around the nose
	cracks or sores at corners of mouth or on lips
	swollen or sore throat
	shiny red-purple or inflamed or sore tongue
	loss of sense of taste
	loss of appetite
	damage to the fetus during pregnancy
	nervousness or irritability or depression due to nerve damage
	eyes that burn or itch or are bloodshot, or sensitive to bright light

High Vitamin B2 food for anemia diet · animal liver · mushroom · spinach.

Vitamin B6 | More on Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to anemia symptoms. Causes hypochromic microcytic anemia, as vitamin B6 is critical in the formation of healthy red blood cells.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Vitamin B6 :
	skin disorders such as eczema or dermatitis
	cracks or sores on lips or mouth
	inflammation of mucous membranes of the mouth or tongue
	nerve related problems including convulsions and seizures
	arm and leg cramps or numbness of hands and feet
	irritability or mood abnormalities
	depression
	nausea or dizziness
	migraine headaches
	chronic fatigue or muscle weakness
	increased susceptibility to infections
	asthma

High Vitamin B6 food for anemia diet · bananas · bell peppers · chick peas · potatoes (baked with skin) · prune juice · raw rice bran · turnip greens · spinach.

Vitamin B12 | More on Vitamin B12
Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in anemia. Symptoms / causes : megaloblastic or pernicious anemia characterized by fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, weight loss, pale skin, sore red tongue or mouth.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Vitamin B12 :
	hypotension (low blood pressure)
	loss of appetite
	nerve damage symptomized by tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, loss of balance, unsteady movement
	heart palpitations
	confusion, disorientation or hallucinations
	irritability, depression, or other mood disturbances
	memory loss or dementia
	associated with Alzheimer's disease
	dandruff
	vision problems
	higher blood levels of homocysteine which increases risk of heart attacks and strokes
	associated with breast cancer
	retarded growth, movement disorders and anemia in infants

High Vitamin B12 food for anemia diet · animal liver · fish like cod, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon, snapper, trout.

Vitamin C | More on Vitamin C
Deficiency of vitamin C can give rise to anemia. Symptoms / causes : iron deficiency anemia symptoms, due to the importance of vitamin C in helping the body absorb iron.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Vitamin C :
	easy bruising and small spots of bleeding under the skin (which appear as pink spots on the skin)
	swollen or painful joints or bones
	slow-healing wounds and fractures
	nosebleeds
	spongy, swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth
	teeth decay easily
	dry brittle hair
	dry rough scaly skin
	fatigue or lethargy or muscle weakness
	loss of appetite
	recurrent colds and infections
	atherosclerosis
	possible weight gain due to slower metabolism

High Vitamin C food for anemia diet · guava · lychees / litchis · papayas · strawberries · vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard greens, bell peppers, turnip greens, spinach.

Vitamin E | More on Vitamin E
Deficiency of vitamin E can result in anemia symptoms. Causes anemia due to loss of red blood cells from oxidative damage.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Vitamin E :
	loss of appetite
	nausea
	weak immune system
	eye problems such as cataracts or degeneration of the retina
	angina (severe chest pains) in males
	weakness in muscles and limbs, and sometimes muscle cramps, stiffness or spasms
	damage to nerves characterized by numbness and tingling or burning sensations in the arms, legs, hands or feet
	lack of coordination of muscle movements characterized by jerkiness, clumsiness or instability
	digestive tract problems such as liver or gallbladder disorders that result in poor absorption of food
	miscarriages, uterine or testicular deterioration, decreased fertility

Vitamin E rich food for anemia diet · cold-pressed vegetable oils (such as sunflower, soybean, safflower) · wheat germ oil · dark green leafy vegetables such as chard, mustard greens, spinach, turnip greens.

Copper | More on Copper
Deficiency of copper can lead to anemia. Symptoms / causes : sideroblastic anemia (characterized by lack of improvement with iron therapy alone as it is due to defective iron utilization rather than insufficient iron) as copper is needed for the mobilization of iron.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Copper :
	early symptoms are osteoporosis, osteopenia (lower bone mineral density than normal, but not as low as for osteoporosis) and joint problems
	retarded growth or abnormalities in bone development in infants and young children
	loss of skin or hair color
	impaired immune function that may lead to frequent infections
	impaired nerve function that may lead to taste insensitivity and lack of physical coordination
	inelastic blood vessels that rupture easily
	elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels
	irregular heart beat
	breathing difficulties
	skin sores
	hypothyroidism
	Menkes disease that occurs mostly in male infants, characterized by sparse greyish or colorless twisted hair, and floppy muscle tone

Copper rich food for anemia diet · cashew nuts · dried beans like soybeans, adzuki beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lentils, lima, navy beans · dried spirulina · crimini mushrooms · shiitake mushrooms · sesame seeds.

Iron | More on Iron
Deficiency of iron can result in anemia. Symptoms / causes : anemia resulting from insufficient red blood cells, as iron is needed for formation of hemoglobin in blood cells; iron deficiency anemia symptoms may include pale skin, cold hands and feet, whites of eyes appearing bluish, headaches, dizziness, irritability, lack of energy, extreme fatigue, rapid heartbeat, low immune function with increased susceptibility to infection, brittle nails, shortness of breath, sore or inflamed tongue or mouth, lack of appetite, blood in stools, restless legs syndrome.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Iron :
	food cravings for inedible items such as ice, paint, starch, clay, or dirt
	increased intestinal inflammation or irritation
	depression or apathy
	insomnia or disturbed sleep
	decrease in ability to concentrate
	impaired mental skills that can affect memory and job performance
	learning disabilities and short attention spans in children
	irregular menstrual periods
	brittle hair
	hair loss
	nails that are spoon-shaped or that have ridges running lengthwise
	higher risk of lead poisoning in children

Iron rich foods for anemia diet · animal liver · blackstrap molasses · beef · eggs (especially the yolk) · shiitake mushrooms · dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, swiss chard, turnip greens · green beans such as winged beans, string beans · dried beans like kidney beans, lentils · soybeans and soy products, especially tofu · rice bran and wheat bran.

Manganese | More on Manganese
Deficiency of manganese can lead to anemia. Symptoms / causes : iron deficiency anemia symptoms, due to manganese's role in iron utilization.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Manganese :
	nausea or dizziness
	vomiting
	skin rash
	hearing loss
	high blood sugar levels (impaired glucose tolerance)
	blood cholesterol levels that are too low
	impaired bone growth or skeletal abnormalities, especially in children
	excessive bone loss and weak hair and nails
	loss of hair colour
	defective functioning of the reproductive system
	severe deficiency in infants can cause convulsions, and even paralysis, blindness and deafness

High manganese food for anemia diet · dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, chard, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, spinach) · avocados · pineapple · raspberries · nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts).

Phosphorus | More on Phosphorus
Deficiency of phosphorus can cause anemia.

Other symptoms that may indicate deficiency of Phosphorus :
	poor bone formation and growth
	rickets (bone softening) in children characterized by knock knees, bowed legs, narrowed chest, or spinal curvature
	osteomalacia (bone softening) in adults that causes bones to be prone to fractures or deformities or pain
	numbness and tingling of the extremities (hands and feet)
	difficulty walking
	increased susceptibility to infection
	fatigue or muscle weakness
	loss of appetite and changes to weight

Phosphorus rich food for anemia diet · cheese · milk · meat · legumes (adzuki beans, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, yellow beans, lentils) · whole grains (wheat, oats, millet, quinoa, brown rice, corn, rye).

Caution: The above is provided for information only. Any diagnosis should be confirmed by a blood test. Do not self-diagnose. Also, to avoid toxicity do not take supplements for anemia in large doses except under medical advice.

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