Avoiding Anemia Through Diet

Making changes to your diet can help get more iron, as well as the building blocks required for red blood cell production.

Iron: The best sources of iron are dried beans, dried fruits,eggs (especially egg yolks), iron-fortified cereals,liver,lean red meat (especially beef),oysters,poultry, dark red meat,salmon,tuna, whole grains. Reasonable amounts of iron are also found in lamb, pork, and shellfish. Iron from vegetables, fruits, grains, and supplements is harder for the body to absorb.

Folic acid: is a B vitamin that helps the body make normal red blood cells. Sources are leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas and nuts. Enriched breads, cereals and other grain products also contain folic acid.

Vitamin C: helps you to absorb iron. The body does not manufacture vitamin C on its own, nor does it store it.You need to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet. Good sources are green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, cantaloupe and berries.

Vitamin B12: is required for proper red blood cell formation. Good sources are poultry, beef, milk, cheese, eggs, clams, crabs, shrimp, salmon, sardines, B12-fortified cereals and soy beverages.

You may be doing everything right and eating a well-balanced diet, but cancer can reduce absorption of nutrients from your food. Nausea and vomiting can also interfere. You may require iron and vitamin supplements. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietician about your options.