Anaemia
Research
Diet & Lifestyle
Vitamin
C & Anaemia
Contrary to popular belief, vegetarians suffer
no more from anaemia than do meat-eaters (1) (2). However, anaemia remains
one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in Western countries and
the group most at risk are young adolescent females. According to a recent
research study (3) conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, S M S
Medical College, Jaipur, one simple way to help counter this problem for
those who are vegetarian is simply to supplement one’s diet with vitamin
C.
In a controlled trial,
twenty-eight strict Indian
vitamin C supplements led to
an increase in the average haemoglobin levels by 8 per cent, serum iron by
17 per cent and transferrin saturation by 23 per cent as well as a
decrease in the total iron binding capacity by 7 per cent. All of these
changes were statistically significant. The rise in serum ferritin was 12
per cent.
The serum protein or copper
level did not indicate their dietary deficiency, while initial serum
ascorbate level were low which rose by 60% on therapy. The report
concluded that vitamin C (ascorbate) supplementation is a better method of
improving haematologic and iron status than iron salt administration.
(1) Levin N. et al. Mineral
intake and blood levels in vegetarians . Israel Journal of Medical
Sciences. Feb 1986, 22(2) 105-108.
(2) McEndree LS. Iron utilisation by vegetarians and omnivores. PhD Thesis
1982 Universoty of Nebraska, Lincoln.
(3)Sharma D.C.; Mathur R. Correction of anemia and iron deficiency in
vegetarians by administration of ascorbic acid. Department of
Biochemistry, S M S Medical College, Jaipur - 302 004 India. Indian
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology (India) , 1995, 39/4 (403-406)
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Iron
& Anaemia
Eat foods that are good sources of
iron. Concentrate on green, leafy vegetables; lean, red meat; beef liver;
poultry; fish; wheat germ; oysters; dried fruit and iron-fortified
cereals. Note: Red meat not only supplies a good amount of iron, it also
increases absorption of iron from other food sources.) Don't drink a lot
of tea--it contains tannins, substances that can inhibit iron absorption.
(Herbal tea is okay, though.)
Take an iron supplement. But check with your doctor first (Note: Recent
research is suggesting that high levels of iron in the blood may increase
the risk for heart attacks.)
Avoid antacids, phosphates (which are found in soft drinks, beer, ice
cream, etc.) and the food additive EDTA. These block iron absorption.
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Folic
Acid & Anaemia
Eat good food sources of folic acid every day.
Some good sources are asparagus, brussels sprouts, spinach, romaine
lettuce, collard
greens, and broccoli. Other
good sources are black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, orange juice, oatmeal, whole
grain cereals, wheat germ, and liver and other organ meats.
Eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables often. Don't overcook food. Heat
destroys folic acid.
Take the daily vitamin supplement your doctor suggests or prescribes.
Don't smoke and don't drink alcohol, It interferes with absorption of
folic acid.
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Vitamin
B-12 & Anaemia
Eat animal sources of food - lean meat, fish,
poultry and non-fat or low-fat dairy products. Some cereals also have
vitamin B-12 added to them. (Note: The
usual cause of B-12 deficiency is not a lack of it in the diet but the
inability to absorb it from food. The cause for this needs to be
identified and treated. Some persons may need to get monthly B-12 shots.)
Source: - American
Institute for Preventive Medicine
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This page was last updated on 04 December 2006 18:46:03
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