How Food Help Anemia

Cancer patients are prone to anemia. What dietary adjustments can help patients with anemia?

Anemia is one of the common symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Prolonged chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow infiltration by cancer, poor appetite leading to nutritional deficiencies can all cause anemia in patients with cancer. How can diet improve anemia?

1. Iron

The main component of red blood cells is hemoglobin which requires iron for its production. Taking sufficient iron is therefore crucial to make red blood cells.

• Foods rich in iron: red meat, seafood, eggs, nuts, legumes, spinach, tofu, oats, whole-grain bread, black fungus, etc.

* Non-heme iron, which is the type of iron found in plant-based food, is not easily absorbed in the body. Vitamin C can help convert this non-heme iron into a more easily absorbable form. Pairing food rich in vitamin C and iron can enhance iron absorption and facilitate red blood cell production. This is especially important for vegetarians.

• Foods rich in vitamin C: bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kiwis, oranges, strawberries, papayas, spinach, etc.

* On the other hand, food rich in calcium such as dairy products and calcium-fortified food, as well as food rich in polyphenols like coffee and tea, can hinder iron absorption. So, you should avoid pairing iron-rich food with calcium-rich food.

2. Folate

Folate is essential to produce healthy red blood cells. Adequate folate can prevent the development of abnormal red blood cells, which can reduce the proportion of healthy red blood cells and affect their normal functions.

• Food rich in folate: spinach, broccoli, cabbage, avocados, chickpeas, red kidney beans, edamame, peanuts, folate-fortified breakfast cereal, papayas, etc.

3. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 activates folate in the body to stimulate red blood cell production. It is vital to intake sufficient vitamin B12 and folate.

• Food rich in vitamin B12: meats, dairy products, eggs, shellfish, etc.

* Most of the vitamin B12 comes from animal food products. The vitamin B12 from plant-based food is very limited. Vegetarians, therefore prone to vitamin B12 insufficiency, are recommended to consult a doctor or registered dietitian to assess their nutritional status.

1. Scrambled eggs with spinach

Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin C and folate, which are beneficial for red blood cell production. Combining it with eggs can provide vitamin B12 and other nutrients as well.

2. Seafood and spinach pasta

Seafood, such as clams, is rich in iron and vitamin B12. Adding spinach to your pasta not only add extra flavor, but also increase in iron, vitamin C and folate content.

3. Egg and avocado sandwich

Avocados, eggs, and whole-grain bread are super food and have lots of nutrients. Each of these food contributes some iron. Additionally, avocados contain folate and vitamin C while eggs provide vitamin B12.

4. Beef and tomato vegetable soup

Beef provides lots of iron and vitamin B12. Adding vegetables into the beef soup can further help in nutrient absorption, e.g. cabbage for folate, spinach for iron, vitamin C and vitamin B12, and potatoes for vitamin C. This soup is highly recommended for patients with anemia.

**Taking food rich in iron, folate and vitamin B12 help your body producing healthy red blood cells and preventing anemia. Please note that the health condition and nutritional requirement of every individual vary. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for the optimal management if needed.

Prepared by Mr. Leung David Chung Wai (Food & Nutritional Science student, HKU)

Reviewed by Dr. Daphne Wu (Food & Nutritional Science, HKU)