Tips for preventing anemia
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Tips for preventing anemia
Anemia occurs when there are too few red blood cells in the blood. A complete blood count (CBC) can determine whether anemia is present.
Women who have heavy and prolonged periods may develop anemia, because the body cannot produce blood as fast as it is being lost. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is
Your diet is the best source of iron. It is better for you to eat a balanced diet than it is to take dietary supplements. Red meats, shellfish, eggs, beans, and green leafy vegetables are the best sources of iron.
Other good sources of iron include:
- Clams [canned drained,
] - Oysters [
] - Shrimp [
] - Beef liver [
] - Lean beef [
] - Lentils (uncooked,
) - Green peas (uncooked,
) - Spinach (uncooked,
) - Raisins (
) - Prunes (10)
- Enriched wheat bread (1 slice)
- Egg (1)
- Iron-enriched cereals (
, read label for exact amounts)
Cooking in iron cookware will add small amounts of iron to the food.
Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron. Be sure your diet includes 250 mg of vitamin C per day.
Consider using a nonprescription iron supplement (such as ferrous sulfate) or a multivitamin if you are unable to meet your need for iron through your diet. For more information about iron, see the topic Healthy Eating.
You may become constipated when you are taking an iron supplement. To avoid constipation:
- Increase dietary fiber.
- Eat plenty of fruits.
- Drink at least 2 to 4 extra glasses of water per day.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | February 12, 2008 |
| Last updated: | February 12, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail |
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